Countries with ‘healthiest food’, ranked

You may be familiar with terms like ‘Mediterranean diet’ and ‘Japanese diet’ when it comes to eating well. But why do some countries have healthier diets than others?

Unfortunately, the typical British diet is not considered healthy. Last year, experts warned that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) make up more than half of the calories consumed by the average British person.

Although not all are harmful to health, there are many foods with additives and preservatives and high in salt and sugar that are common in the British diet.

Studies have linked eating too much processed food to health issues such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity and cancer.

The health benefits of foods from certain countries have been widely researched and discussed. According to insurance providers SunLife, the countries with the healthiest diets around the world are:

1. Japan

2. Greece

3. Italy

4. Cyprus

5. Spain

6. South Korea

7. Australia

8. Ethiopia

9. Sweden

In these countries, people have the highest life expectancy, according to experts. Residents also have more years of health.

Japan has the highest life expectancy anywhere in the world (84.3 years) and the highest number of healthy years (74.1). In comparison, the UK has a life expectancy of around 80.70 years.

Meanwhile, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Israel, Italy, Cyprus and Switzerland also appeared in the top 10 for average life expectancy and years lived (on average) in good health.

What the British think about healthy eating

In a survey of 2,000 British adults, SunLife found that while almost half of Brits can name countries with ‘good’ food, most admitted they don’t eat in moderation .

The majority (81%) said they do not eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Britons aged 55-64 are the least likely to say they get a ‘five a day’ – less than five times a year.

However, one in four people (23%) in the UK said they have not changed their eating habits to be healthy as they get older.

Those aged 55-64 were the group that would say they had no intention of changing their diet in any way when they entered their 70s and over.

But among those who changed their diet as they got older, more than half (54%) said they did so because they wanted to “feel better and have more energy”.

Almost a third (33%) were motivated to change their diet because of concerns about the long-term impact of their former diet on their health.

The survey also found that women are more likely to change their diet to increase their energy (58% versus 47% of men), while men are more likely to change their diet see them because their doctor told them to (25% vs. 14% of women), or because they were recommended by a friend, family member or colleague.

What lessons can we learn from countries with the best nutrition?

The common thread between the healthiest countries is that they prioritize eating more fruits and vegetables, as well as beans, lentils and other legumes, while eating smaller portions of produce. of lean meats, such as fish and poultry, which are eaten regularly. .

Nutritionist Sandra Mikhail, author of The Gut Chronicles says: “Food choices are often influenced by what’s available in your area and what’s in season. “These diets not only provide the body with essential nutrients but also support good health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.”

Commenting on a new SunLife survey, he said: “The people of these areas do not rely on gimmicks, fads or fancy foods; they just live their lives with a few important principles in mind.

Explaining why each country’s traditional food works so well for its citizens, he said:

Japan

“The Japanese diet is characterized by fresh seafood, rice (brown included), vegetables and fermented foods such as miso, which promote longevity with nutritious and minimally processed foods. Green tea it’s also high in antioxidants, a common drink that supports metabolism and overall health.”

Greece and Italy

“The Mediterranean diet, prevalent in countries such as Greece and Italy, emphasizes olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish, providing cardiovascular benefits and a balanced approach to fats and nutrients.”

South Korea

“South Korean cuisine stands out because of fermented foods like kimchi, lots of vegetables and lean proteins from seafood – all of which are the backbone of a healthy diet. Fermented foods support the microbiome healthy, related to improved digestion, immunity, and even mental health.”

Australia

“The Australian diet is a unique blend of cultural influences. Australians benefit from an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins from seafood and poultry, whole grains and legumes, which provide with essential nutrients and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.”

Ethiopia

“Ethiopian cuisine is delicious and traditional, relying on plant-based ingredients and whole foods. Typical foods include injera, a sourdough bread made from teff flour, and legumes such as lentils, chickpeas and peas. separated, which provide important proteins, fiber and complex carbohydrates. Various vegetables and spices improve the nutritional status of the food.

Sweden

“The Swedish diet, characterized by grains such as rye and barley, root vegetables, fatty fish such as salmon, and fermented dairy products such as skyr, prioritizes simplicity and seasonality, local ingredients that support overall health by focusing on unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods.”

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