Recently, a survey on the eating habits of Americans and French people found that people who have their main meal at noon and one snack a day may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Researchers surveyed 50 working-class French people living in Paris with a moderate standard of living and 50 Americans, asking them to keep a daily food diary. The results showed that by 2 p.m., the French consumed 57% of their daily calories, while Americans consumed only 38%. The French had an average of 1.1 snack per day, accounting for 8% of their daily intake, whereas Americans averaged 2.9 snacks, accounting for 22%. After their largest meal at lunch, the French continued to work for 5 hours, while Americans had their most substantial meal at dinner, after which they watched television and went to bed, burning fewer calories. As a result, more Americans are obese and have a higher incidence of heart disease.
The report also pointed out that moderate consumption of red or white wine can increase high-density lipoprotein, thereby reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Among those who drink wine moderately, men can reduce their risk of coronary heart disease by half, and women by one-third. Researchers believe that phenolic substances in wine and red wine can inhibit the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries. The French drink ten times more alcohol per day than Americans, and they do so during meals, which has a beneficial effect on their health. The mortality rate from heart disease in France is more than half that of the United States, which may be related to their eating habits. Therefore, eat more for lunch, less for dinner, and stop when you are about 70-80% full. Also, do not have too many snacks per day.