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23February   The REAL Reason French Women Don’t Get Fat?

Read about this French “secret,” and then comment below to enter to win it! 6 FOFs will win.



Americans are obsessed with the way French women eat. They appear to subsist on butter, cheese, pastries, red meat--not to mention cigarettes and red wine--yet they manage to stay trim and youthful from their berets to their Louboutins. Plus, they have a lower incidence of heart disease and diabetes than American women.

Books such as French Women Don’t Get Fat credit France’s smaller portions, active lifestyle and emphasis on fresh, organic food. These certainly play a role.  But a recent study at Harvard suggests that one finicky little chemical compound–resveratrol–may also deserve credit.

“Resveratrol is found on the skin and vines of red-wine grapes,” says Dr. Heather Hausenblas, PhD., an exercise and diet expert at the University of Florida, and the science advisor to ResVitale, a company that makes resveratrol supplements. “It’s a potent antioxidant that protects the plants against extreme weather, bugs and other environmental stresses.”

In 2006, investigators at Harvard Medical School and the National Institute of Aging found that mice treated with resveratrol lived longer, more active, healthier lives–despite being fed a high-fat, high-calorie diet. They tested three groups of mice: One was fed a standard diet (SD), one was fed a high-calorie, high-fat diet (HC) and one was fed a high-calorie, high-fat diet with resveratrol (HCR). “After six months, resveratrol essentially prevented most of the negative side effects of the high calorie diet in mice,” said Rafael de Cabo, Ph.D., the study’s co-senior investigator. It protected the mice against heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses typically associated with a diet high in red meat, cheese and pastries.



But, don’t run for that bottle of merlot just yet. According to Dr. Hausenblas, the average bottle of red wine has 2-4 milligrams of resveratrol--but studies typically use doses of 250-1000mg. Also, not all wine is equally potent. “We source our resveratrol from organic grapes grown by traditional French methods," Hausenblas explains. "If the grapes are chemically treated with pesticides and herbicides--as they are in most vineyards--they don’t produce as much resveratrol, because they don’t need to protect themselves.” Hausenblas recommends taking a supplement with 250-500mg of organic resveratrol a day, although studies have shown is that up to 1000 mg a day is “well tolerated in humans.”

In December, we sent a resveratrol supplement to a group of FOF beauty testers to try out for one month.  See their results for yourself, here.

Then, comment below to be one of 6 FOF women who will receive a month’s supply of ResVitale’s Resveratrol 250mg supplements to try for yourself.

(See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes February 29, 2012 at midnight E.S.T.

198 Comments

  1. Paula

    Come on people this isn’t rocket science. If you continue to eat junk and chemicals, don’t excerise and sit around all day no supplement in the world is going to help you.

    Reply
  2. Marcia

    I’ve been to France on business, I can say they smoke like chimneys but walk A LOT. And FAST. It is a mystery on how they can eat the super fattening foods, however. I’m pushing 300 lbs. and would love to find an easier way to keep the weight down. I’ve been near vegetarian for 2 yrs. now and that’s not working. Is it really the wine?

    Reply
  3. janet58

    Well, all of my red wine drinking isn’t working in that regard, so I would love to try Resveratrol and hopefully be a success story!

    Reply
  4. Victoria Johnson

    I would love to try ResVitale’s Resveratrol supplement! I am always looking for new ways to be more healthy!!

    Reply
  5. ksaucedo

    If Reveratrol is doing such wonders – count me in! My doctor has told me that I have an slightly enlarged liver. This does not coincide with my lifestyle at all – I drink socially, but responsibly (I am a First Offender DAE Instructor), and live on fresh fruits, vegetables and low-cal soups and meals. In spite of my ‘dieting’ and restrictions on what I will eat, I neitther shed a pound nor improve my ‘puffy’ liver….

    Reply
  6. dixie m ferguson

    Been trying to lose 10lbs for 6 months,can’t do it.I don’t eat sugar or fatty foods.Maybe this will do the trick

    Reply
  7. Gwen

    Interesting that the grapes treated with chemicals don’t create as much resveratrol. I’ve read several studies about resveratrol lately – and all the results seem positive. Would love to put it to the test.

    Reply
  8. SusanMaria Detterman

    I’ve recently read that red wine is good for your face, helping it look younger and brighter. I haven’t tried it, but I really would like to try the supplements!

    Reply
  9. nangnang365

    It is no surprise to me that a resveratrol supplement would be so helpful. Since I started to eat an anti-inflammatory, high antioxidant diet I feel and look much better.

    Reply
  10. NoreenB

    i don’t drink, and suspect that the amount of grapes one would need to eat may be prohibitive, I’d love to see if the supplement version of this naturally occurring substance could reverse some of those bad numbers in my blood work!

    Reply
  11. Barbara M.

    I’m a big believer in supplements! I have heard of Resveratrol, but hadn’t tried it yet, still waiting to hear more about what it did. I won’t take anything that I haven’t personally researched and read reviews about, so I’m excited about this! I’d love to win ResVitale’s Resveratrol, but not just for the weight issue, but because I do believe that red wine (grapes) was given to us by God for health benefits!

    Reply
  12. Karen Hansen

    I definately would love to try this. I don’t eat and gain weight , have diabetes, sounds like I’m a perfect candidate

    Reply
  13. Debra

    it’s interesting that all the FOFs who took this talked about (and were asked about) changes in skin and wrinkles. There was nothing about weight. Living in AZ, my skin is very dry so I’d love to try this for the improvements to skin.

    Reply
  14. Elizabeth Savoy

    I have been taking FrenchGlory® Isotonic OPC Antioxidants which includes not only the skin and vines of the grape, but the seeds and pine bark extract. It is about $50 including delivery for a 3 month supply and it does actually work. Not only are my energy levels higher, but my skin glows. I am a firm believer.

    Reply
  15. Tina Ashton

    I’d love to try reservatrol as I’ve read many interesting articles about it’s health benefits but as for it being the reason the French are thin – I not convinced. In addition to eating smaller portion sizes, walking alot and being very competitive in the fashion arena most of them SMOKE like fiends!

    Reply
  16. Darlene

    I have read about resveratrol and would love to try the supplement. I have a few extra pounds I have been working on losing, but figure if this helps (and reduces my risk of heart disease), all the better.

    Reply
  17. g

    In addition to the great anti-oxidant ingredients, I am very impressed that it has no preservatives, and is free of allergens and artificial colors. I would be happy to give it a try!

    Reply
  18. Mick

    It’s worth a try: who wouldn’t want to lose weight, still get to have a treat once in a while and be healthier overall? I suppose putting the Merlot with a recommended dose of this supplement wouldn’t hurt, either. Bring on the trials!!

    Reply
  19. Carina Ljungqvist

    When I was 18 I spent a few months in Paris. I ate a lot of bread and cheese and I put on a lot of weight. Maybe I didn’t drink enough wine. Would love to try these supplements.

    Reply
  20. Bettie

    This would be interesting to try. I lost a lot of weight and am having a lot of trouble maintaining the new weight. If this could give me an edge, that sounds really good to me.

    Reply
  21. Vicki

    I have been to Paris and it isn’t a secret to me. They walk everywhere briskly and portions are much smaller than American portions. the food is so good that you are satisfied with much less plus you take the time to savor it.

    Reply
  22. Cassi Jensen

    I love my glass of red wine, nightly, but it doesn’t sound like it gives me enough resveratol, so this would be a good thing to try, to see if it makes a difference.

    Reply
  23. valorosa

    I’ll try one of those cream rolls first then send me a bottle of the Resveratrol supplement so I can try it. Sounds like it might just work since I do not drink much red wine.

    Reply
  24. folans

    French women don’t get fat because of WAY smaller portions, small refrigerators-making WALKING to the store a daily necessity and France is NOT an auto culture-People WALK and/or use mass transit everywhere.

    Reply
  25. Carol

    I have heard of skin lotions with resveratrol, but this is the first for an oral supplement. I would think that this would have a much greater effect on the whole body than a topical lotion. I would love to try it!

    Reply
  26. pboyd3

    I would love to try this! Trying to eat healthy and keep ahead of the heart disease that runs in the family. Please, please pick me!

    Reply
  27. Mary in MN

    It would be fun to try Res Vitale’s supplements – wine without the headache – what could be better!
    Of course, I am hoping I don’t need to send in a picture of my liver sample on it [joke]!
    As a FoF, it would be good to get an infusion of energy to go with my new Tai Chi classes.
    Hoping to be one of the six.

    Reply
  28. olympicgirl

    I’ve heard of this for over a year now and have been thinking of getting it to try for myself. I was just in Germany this past June and noticed there weren’t a lot of fat people there either. I think it has more to do with European lifestyles, not just the French. Sadly, ours is a culture of excess.

    Reply
  29. Meredith Kerrigan

    Sounds highly promising for overall health and wellness..ultimately a cost saving measure for our health system. I would love to hear more research outcomes and try it myself.

    MK

    HealthCare Practiioner

    Reply
  30. Christine

    I have tried Reservatrol in the past and felt wonderful
    while taking it- more energy and my skin looked fabulous! Would love to try again!

    Reply
  31. Kathy

    I too have been reading about the benefits of resveratrol. I can understand that 20 days is not enough time for some woman to notice a change in their skin because of each woman’s specific needs. But how does resveratrol affect one’s overall well being and stamina. Does it help with weight loss?

    Reply
  32. kathryn

    How interesting! I took resveratrol to good effect last year as part of an herbal regimen to counteract the symptoms of Lyme Disease. My symptoms are gone, but I think I will try taking resveratrol again to see if I can notice any effects on my skin.

    Reply
  33. Cynthia

    This would be perfect for me! I don’t drink wine, so would never get the benefits of resveratrol otherwise.
    Thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply
  34. sgoulet660

    After spending august in europe I was amazed at how wonderful and healthy european women look. I think it has to do with all the walking they do. I ate and drank whatever I wanted while I was there, and still came home five pounds lighter.

    Reply
  35. Cheril Larimer

    I am working hard to avoid heart disease and diabetes as I age. I only wish I had cared more when I was younger.

    Reply
  36. Catherine

    Hi Deborah,

    I went on Dr. Dukan’s diet as well. I lost a lot of weight, but unfortunately, all that protein has really taken its toll. I just got back blood results and my cholesterol went up over 100 points! So, word to the wise, try fish vs. meat for your protein and bring back fruits and veggies as much as you can. I know the weight loss is amazing without them, but keep an eye on your cholesterol.

    Reply
  37. Catherine

    I’m a sucker for anything that promises to make me look better — obviously a supplement with the ingredients of red wine is going to be better for me than consuming the amount I would need to get 1,000 milligrams of it!

    Reply
  38. Diana B

    French women, and not specifically just that culture, also Aregentinan to name another, don’t make taking supplements nor dieting as our ‘quick-fix’ society. It’s a life balance and attitude of wanting only the best for their bodies and life; ie: the food, clothing style, drink (sodas?never!). You may find interesting that Resveratrol is not marketed outside of the U.S. hmm.

    Reply
  39. Deborah

    Hi Catherine,
    Thanks for the information. I would be interested to know how long you stayed on the diet? How long did you stay on the cruise phase? I have been doing the diet for about 45 days now. Thanks!

    Reply
  40. Kathy Castillo

    So, can we take the supplement and still have the glass of merlot? Seems like this won’t exceed the daily dose levels…..

    Reply
  41. Anna Lapping

    I have seen resveratrol supplements at the “big box” stores, but wasn’t sure what the recommended dosage was. I would love to try it.

    Reply
  42. Kira

    Oh glorious wine…why do you give me HEADACHES? LOL
    Resveratrol is very intriguing supplement, there is so much more to it than weight management and anti-oxidant value. I work as a Personal Trainer part-time and a lot of my clients wonder if it is worth the cost and commitment…
    I would be very happy to try it for them;-))

    Reply
  43. Casey Anderson

    I will be turning 50 in April. Not handling it well at all. I won’t even talk about it. I would love to find something that would help may attitude about this whole age processing thing.

    Reply
  44. JJ Dillon

    This is a progressive women’s site chock full of great articles, news, research, fun and fashion. I tune in to all things healthy and I’ve been aware of Resveratrol for years, but I had some misinformation about the dosage necessary to effect change. This is good news, especially for women because our genetics fight us being lean.

    Reply
  45. rebeccabarrymore@yahoo.com

    After spending a good amount of time in France during the 80 and 90′s, I always was told that French women never gained weight as it was their practice of drinking warm water with lemon in the morning and eating a big lunch and lite dinner with red wine of course.

    Reply
  46. Michelle

    Can’t drink – so would love to try this supplement. I do love cheese, meat, butter and pastry; so I really think I would benefit from this regimen.

    Reply
  47. Catherine

    Hi Deborah,

    I stayed on it much longer than I probably should have! I started it before the holidays and have been on it ever since. The weight loss from just protein was amazing and I wanted to continue losing. In January I started having veggies once or twice a week, but I really have to up the exercise to keep the weight down. I begin to plateau or actually gain when I do anything but pure protein. Proof that everything in moderation is true, I realize now that I cannot focus on just one aspect of the food pyramid and that my body needs a little of everything. I’m pre-diabetic, so I’m trying to avoid carbs, but going protein only was way too much meat for me and I sent my cholesterol skyrocketing. I just wanted to share my experience so you don’t make the same mistake. I looked good on the scale and in the mirror but my blood results were telling an entirely different story. Now, I need to forego the meat, have more fish and add in the veggies and see if I can turn my cholesterol problem around. What’s weird is, at my highest weight, eating a variety of foods, but also a lot of FiberOne cereal with fruit, I had the lowest cholesteral! Maybe I should try having that cereal again and see what 14% Fiber does for me. Good luck to you!

    Reply
  48. starsmom

    I’ve heard so much recently about the benefits of Resveratrol……and after reading the positive comments from your testers, I’d be very interested in trying this product.

    Reply
  49. nancy homapour

    Thanks for all this great information in the “battle” to stay healthier and young. Looking forward to trying this product and drinking more wine !

    Reply
  50. Susan S.

    Wow, those mice liver pictures are amazing. Even though I eat a low fat diet, I was shocked by my recent high cholesterol count. Genetics, I guess. Anyway, I’m trying to get things in order without the use of drugs, and it seems like this is naturally protective to the body, not to mention having “beauty” side effects. :-) I would love the opportunity to try this addition to my anti-aging arsenal.

    Reply
  51. Elisse

    Would definitely try it and write about the results!
    Having lived abroad most of my life I thoroughly agree with the issue that Americans now suffer from more gross obesity & diseases than anywhere else, probably because our foods have been full of antibiotics and chemicals since I was a child, and we have worse medical care than my husband and I ever experienced Anywhere overseas, including in the so-called “3rd world”. Only in the USA do we encounter so many people on massive numbers of interacting “wonder drug” meds, rampant MRSA infections, and keep burying friends from infections they pick up in the hospitals! I think my husband (65), myself (52), one 68 year old friend, and my 89 year old mother are the only people we know NOT on any Rx meds! My smoking/drinking mom is 89 and just won the Sr Olympics for golf and bowling (avg. 165) & has outlilved ALL her non-smoking friends (and most of her doctors), so PLEASE no more lectures on the evils of both! The “French diet” works fine- as does the “Asian diet”- both cultures smoke and drink. The sooner we get off the preaching podium the better.

    Reply
  52. Anita Griffin

    DARN… I thought that all red wine was good for you NOW, I find out that only organic will do……OK more new wines to drink.. :) ..

    anita

    Reply
  53. Maureen O'Neal

    Yes, I would love to try this!! Not just for my skin, but my whole body, heart and brain included!! It sound like this is THE STUFF to take!!

    Reply
  54. scoutcrs13

    I’s love to try this. It’s why red wine is my first choice, but a FOF can only stay fabulous if she’s closer to sober, so getting the fullest benefits from a supplement would be fantastic!

    Reply
  55. leelavani108

    I have heard many good things about Resveratrol and have always wanted to try it, but the cost is prohibitive on my tight budget. I would like to try this product.

    Reply
  56. Blondie Bayer

    I’m ready to try as a present to myself on my 62 nd birthday. I take lots of vitamins and supplements but have never tried Resveratrol – and I’m sure ready.

    Reply
  57. Cheryl Cruickshank

    I don’t drink red wine because it a migraine trigger for me. I am excited to hear their is a supplement I can take with the benefits of the wine.

    Reply
  58. Fab55

    Help! Midlife crises at crises point! Trying everything…different skin creams, different supplements, different EVERYTHING… nothing works. Please let me try this and I know I will use it forever.

    Reply
  59. Kai W.

    I have always wonder how the French women maintain their figures. Most of us exercise and try to eat healthy but we can never seemed to get their results.

    Reply
  60. Ellen

    I liked the reviews – even the reviewers who did not recommend it to other FOF’s had positive things to say about the product. I would love to try it.

    Reply
  61. victoria

    Been trying to lower my cholesterol by eating better and exercising but anything that helps make it easier and healthier works for me!

    Reply
  62. robbie

    Since I cannot drink red wine, and that seems to be many peoples form of consuming their daily resveratrol, this would be a perfect way for me to try this amazing supplement!(alcohol gives me migraines – ave it up 22 years ago – sadly)

    Reply
  63. Andy

    I just heard a lot more about this on TV yesterday and have every intention of trying it. Please send my supply at your earliest convenience!

    Reply
  64. Tannersmom

    Watched a segment on “The Today Show” just this morning about this type of product and would love to test it out.

    Reply
  65. gmcl

    The idea of a supplement that does not carry the various increased risks that drinking doe, but which would provide some of the cardiac help is a real positive!

    Reply
  66. k.greaves

    I would love to try this product. The reviews sound amazing and it excites me to know that there is something actually geared to FOF’s!

    Reply
  67. kariann

    It’s nice to have a secret shared, and I would love to get in shape and remain fit without the hard work. Please share the “magic’ pills.

    Reply
  68. msortet

    I am 50 and continue to consume very high fats & high calories everyday (even though I know better) so I would love to try this to help me slim down. I have seen Resveratrol sold on QVC and listened to the amazing research on it. They say you would have to drink an outrageous amount of red wine to equal the benefits in just one tablet!

    Reply
  69. Debi

    Have tried for four years to lose the 40 lbs that I put on when high blood pressure developed. Would love to get something that actually works.

    Reply
  70. lisa

    French women also WALK WALK WALK…but I have also heard the benefits of reservitrol and would love to test and report back….

    Reply
  71. Michele

    sound like one would have to drink a lot of red wine to experience the benefits, so in that case, I’d love to join the test group and try your tablets! sounds very interesting.

    Reply
  72. Victoria Kuhl

    I’ve heard of this and I really want to try it. It’s available at my local health food store, but it is about $75 for a month’s supply, so it would be great to be able to test it out first!

    Reply
  73. Nancy

    I would love to try this restervol product. I’ve looked at other rest of all products but none of them said that they were organic!

    Reply
  74. elizabeth

    Sounds interesting..But the bottom line is if you don’t eat in excess (like most americans) you can indulge here and there in small amounts. There is no ‘secret’ to weight loss. Eat less and move!

    Reply
  75. Lelani Rogers

    I have been wanting to try this type of product for a while, I have not heard enough positives results about it. I do agree that 30 days is probably not enough time for positive effects but if I win the prize, I will definitely go on and purchase another bottle to make a 60 day trial period, I should know more after that.

    Thanks FOF!
    Lelani

    Reply
  76. Debi Rodgers

    I would love to try this product! I would probably go ahead and purchase another 30 days when finished though, I am not sure 30 days would be enough time to see if this miracle potion really has an impact.

    Have a great day!
    Debi

    Reply
  77. ResVitale

    Linda, excellent question. Our apologies for the confusion. Your 30s and 40s are a great time to start taking Resveratrol, but it’s never too late either. The only groups we would not encourage to take Resveratrol are children and pregnant or nursing women because there are no clinical studies on those groups. Also, we recommend that people who are on medications or under a doctor’s care consult their healthcare practitioner before taking any supplement.

    Reply
  78. ResVitale

    Thanks for bringing that up, Debra. The FOF testing was actually done on ResVitale Collagen Enhance. While that product contains Resveratrol, the main applications of Collagen are for supporting connective tissues such as skin and cartilage in joints. The interview with Dr. Heather referenced in the article focused on Resveratrol, the red wine antioxidant. It’s Resveratrol we’re giving away to 6 lucky winners, but Collagen Enhance (and all ResVitale products) are buy one get one 50% off at GNC stores and on GNC.com if you’d like to try it.

    Reply
  79. ResVitale

    You make a great point, Paula. While the research suggests that Resveratrol supports healthy, youthful cellular activity despite a sedentary lifestyle or poor diet, and supplement is best used as an addition to a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

    Reply
  80. ResVitale

    Anna, since this is a supplement for your diet, not a drug used to treat diseases, there isn’t a specific dose. Our recommended serving sizes are based on the amounts used in clinical studies. Also, be sure that the amount on the packaging refers to trans-Resveratrol specifically as that is the active form. Be aware of the source as well. ResVitale Resveratrol is sourced from organic grapes and wild Polygonum cuspidatum, and the serving sizes on our packaging refer to the amount of active trans-Resveratrol.

    Reply
  81. ResVitale

    Kathy, something tells me you aren’t the only one wondering that. We’re not telling anyone to give up red wine (as long as they enjoy it responsibly). As we like to say, now you can have your Resveratrol and drink it too!

    Reply
  82. ResVitale

    You make an excellent point, Diana. It’s important that we maintain a healthy lifestyle including good nutrition and exercise. It may interest you to know that ResVitale Resveratrol is available at GNC stores in Central and South America, Asia, Europe, and even in parts of Africa and the Middle East.

    Reply
  83. Anna Lapping

    Thank you for the response. I do understand that this is the purest and best form, that’s why I would love to participate in the testing.

    Reply
  84. Debra

    Thanks for the clarification! And, yes, I’d be thrilled if I was one of the six chosen for this product (and will look at the Collagen Enhance at a local GNC.

    Reply
  85. deborahf2

    I have read about Resveratrol and it sounds like an ideal way to boost my health without drinking wine…wine brings on the heat for me so, reluctantly, I have given it up….would love the benefits though-can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  86. darinda

    With my metabolism changing, I do struggle with weight gain. It’d be so good to find something that could help me combat that.

    Reply
  87. noracharles

    This seems to be a well-studied supplement for me to try. As I get older, I find the need for something in addition to diet and exercise for my changing metabolism and this might be the ticket! Thanks.

    Reply
  88. sheryl.eastridge

    Sign me up for the supplement. At 50+, not going to give the year, I hope to live a long healthy life. Resveratrol sounds like the answer I need.

    Reply
  89. Valerie

    I think that if this product could give me that extra youthful look I would love to try it and see the results. Plus the healthy benefits it would provide.

    Reply
  90. kelsi123

    After reading other members comments regarding resvitale I would like to try this product. Many of the FOF members stated they saw results within the trial period, which is impressive.

    Reply
  91. amd

    I do not drink wine, and so I would love to be chosen to test try Resveratrol supplements. The benefits certainly are appeeling!

    Reply
  92. Jane

    Not into cigarettes, wine or red meat, but bring on those French pastries! I’ve read a lot about resveratrol and would love to try it out!

    Reply
  93. Jzmtazz

    I don’t drink alcohol, so I won’t get the benefits from wine! I think I would be a great candidate to test this product, it sounds like a miracle and I love to investigate “miracles.”

    Reply
  94. thebutlerdidit

    Gosh, I’d love to receive a month’s worth of the supplement. I drink the Reservatrol juices that are available at Walmart. I find them tasty but the calories add up.

    Reply
  95. cynderma@aol.com

    I would love to try the reveratrol supplement. Mostly because it protects against heart disease and diabetes. Diabetes runs in my family on both sides. I don’t have it now but I would like to protect myself from getting it. I would love to test this product.

    Reply
  96. Nan

    Considering how much red wine I would need to drink to be beneficial….I think that supplements would be worth a go and, ultimately, less costly than all that wine. Perhaps not as enjoyable though….

    Reply

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