Red wine, which the French drink at most meals (not breakfast), contains tanins that act directly on the circulatory system in many beneficial ways.
Olive oil, which the southern French use for everything but frying, actually reduces cholesterol.
Butter, which the northern French use for everything but frying, is high in cholesterol but also high in HDL (good cholesterol).
Except for "french fries", the French almost never eat any fried food.


