4 Healthiest diets around the world

Eat Smart: 4 Healthiest diets around the globe

MF editorial team

27 Apr 2016

updated the Wednesday, April 27, 2016

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Mediterranean diet
A typical Mediterranean diet, eaten by people in Greece, Italy and Spain, is rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, wholegrain cereals, nuts and white meat. There is little red meat consumption and the olive oil used helps to increase good cholesterol to protect the heart. Low amounts of salt are added and sometimes herbs are used for flavouring in place of excess salt. The diet is also complemented by a small amount of red wine.
Many studies reveal that eating this magical combination of foods is beneficial for the overall health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and dementia.
Anna Daniels, a spokesperson from the British Dietetic Association (BDA), was quoted in an online article on The Independent, saying “the Mediterranean diet is one of the most evidence-based diets for heart health and longevity.”
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Okinawa diet
The Okinawa diet of Japan is commended as one of the healthiest in the world. No wonder Japan has one of the highest life expectancies, standing at an average of 84.74 years in 2015.
A traditional Okinawa diet is high in vegetables, fruits, fish and meat. Tea and water are also consumed regularly instead of processed and sugar-laden drinks. Also water, not oil, is used for cooking.
In 2005, the Japanese government rolled out a recommended food guide to urge its citizens to consume a diet low in saturated fats and processed foods yet high in carbohydrates from both rice and vegetables. Researchers found that those who closely followed the state-issued food guide had a 15% lower mortality rate.
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Nordic diet
The Nordic diet, eaten in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland, consists mostly of rye bread, oily fish, salmon, fruits and fermented dairy products. This combination of food is high in fibre, low in sugar and rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants. Herbs such as parsley, dill, mustard, horseradish and chives are commonly used in this diet.
A recent study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that the health benefits found in the Nordic diet were comparable with those found in the Mediterranean one. The study also found that a healthy Nordic diet also has a positive impact on genes.
The few desserts this diet permits are baked goods made with oat bran or jam for putting on top of cereal.
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French diet
The notion of the ‘French paradox’ has baffled nutritionists and health experts for years. A typical French diet consists of full-fat cheese and yogurt, butter and bread.
Despite the diet comprising of food high in saturated fat, the French have some of the lowest rates of heart disease and obesity in the developed world. Nutritionists have explained this paradox by maintaining that the intake of this rich diet is in small portions, hence the calories consumed are less.
Also, the French opt for water, tea or wine instead of sugary drinks as a part of their diet.

While some places have the happiest people, others are home to the healthiest diets.

Countries such as France, Norway and Japan are acclaimed to have the healthiest diets in the world. Their citizens live until their nineties and sometimes break the hundred year mark. The high life expectancy is partly due to a cultural phenomenon of healthy eating as a part of their lifestyle choices.

Despite being scattered across the globe, the countries and regions listed in this article have some striking similarities in their diets and cuisines. Head up to the gallery above to check out 4 of the leanest diets in the world. You might just decide to practice some of them.

Roshni Kapur

Photos: Getty Images

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Eat Smart: 4 Healthiest diets around the globe

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