France is the biggest consumer of anti-varicose vein medicine in the world – those little visible veins on the legs that can signal problems with circulation. According to Jean-Noël Fabiani, a surgeon and medical historian, the higher rate of varicose veins among the French is all down to Napoleon! During his European campaigns, the infamous Emperor of France would only allow men who were “fit” and could walk long distances in his army. And while those valiant soldiers were out on the battlefield getting killed, those with varicose veins forced to stay home were able to reproduce happily – and pass on their varicose veins to all their decedents.