You may have noticed there’s a new diet creating a lot of noise in the health and wellness scene. It’s the Nordic diet and some nutritionists think it may be one of the healthiest ways to eat. The diet was constructed when health experts set out to find why, exactly, Northern Europe had lower obesity rates than the United States. The Nordic diet was developed based on the traditional cuisine found in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
What is the Nordic diet?
There’s no calorie counting or crash dieting, rather the Nordic diet promotes a lifelong approach to healthy eating. It focuses on plant-based, seasonal foods and is packed with lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The new diet, which has actually been around for centuries, was adapted from the Baltic Sea diet pyramid in 2004 to include more flavours and nutritional value. The new version promotes more food from wild landscapes, less food additives, organic produce whenever possible and more home cooked meals. It places an emphasis on planning each meal around winter vegetables such as kale, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Eggs and fish are more of an aside.
How does it stack up against the Mediterranean diet?
The Nordic diet is quite similar to the well known Mediterranean diet. Both include plenty of freshwater fish, root veggies, fruit, and whole grains such as oats and barley, and limit the consumption of red meat, dairy, sugars and processed foods. The main difference is in the oily fats. While the Mediterranean diet suggests olive oil, the Nordic diet opts for rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil. Both oils promote a healthy heart by boosting good cholesterol (HDL) and trimming away bad cholesterol (LDL). Both are plant-based oils with high amounts of omega 3. Since canola oil has less saturated fat than olive oil, it is considered healthier and both have a different recommended use in the kitchen. For example, olive oil, which is higher in antioxidants, is more flavourful and is typically used for salads and toppings whereas canola oil can withstand more heat, so can be used when cooking and baking at higher temperatures.
The long list of health benefits.
The main reasons dietitian have been so fond of the Nordic diet is because of all the research backed health benefits it’s been linked to. The World Health Organisation (WHO) found that both the Mediterranean and Nordic diets reduce the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Other studies have revealed that the Nordic diet can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure level, normalise cholesterol levels, and help people lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Since the diet is quite similar to anti-inflammatory diets which traditionally consist of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats, it’s been shown to reduce inflammation in fatty tissues and consequently, obesity related health risks. It may even help women who are trying to get pregnant. A diet that is low in processed foods and refined carbohydrates, eating mostly plant based and seafood based proteins along with high consumption of fruits and vegetables, is correlated with increased chances of pregnancy.
It’s good for planet Earth.
Additionally, the Nordic diet is environmentally sustainable as it focuses on the consumption of fresh local ingredients. As a result, fewer greenhouse gases are emitted. Plant based diets create less pollution because they use fewer natural resources than meat heavy diets. We can also reduce energy consumption and food waste by eating locally produced food. The large reason why this diet is good is that it takes the focus-off of calories and puts it on quality food.
A well-balanced and affordable option.
While the Mediterranean diet has been more heavily researched, growing interest in the Nordic diet has already found that the diet is just as healthy if not more. Not to mention, because the Nordic diet focuses on consuming what’s in season it doesn’t break the bank. Seasonal produce tends to be a bit cheaper, as it’s more widely available. So, if you’re looking to do some good for your body, the Nordic diet may be well worth a try. It’s packed with a ton of nutrients, vitamins and minerals your body needs to survive and thrive.
DomoArigato 