You may be familiar with terms like the Mediterranean diet and the ‘Japanese diet’ when it comes to healthy eating. 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 the calories eaten by the average Briton.
While not all are necessarily harmful to health, there are many foods that contain additives and preservatives and are high in salt and sugar that are important in the British diet.
Studies have linked eating large amounts of these processed foods to health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, obesity and cancer.
The health benefits of foods from specific countries have been widely researched and debated. According to insurance provider SunLife, the countries with the healthiest diets in the world are:
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Japan
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Greece
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Italy
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Cyprus
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Spain
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South Korea
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Australia
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Ethiopia
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Sweden
According to experts, in these countries, people have a higher life expectancy. Residents also experience many years of healthy living.
Japan has the highest average life expectancy (84.3 years) and the highest number of healthy lifestyles (74.1) anywhere in the world. In comparison, the UK has an average 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 most years (on average) lived in good health.
What the British think about healthy eating
In a survey of 2,000 British adults, SunLife found that although almost half of Britons could name countries with “good” food, most admitted they did not eat healthy themselves.
The majority (81%) said they did not eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Britons aged 55-64 were most likely to say they only rarely get their “five days” – less than five a year.
However, one in four (23%) UK adults say they have not changed their eating habits to be healthier as they age.
Those aged 55-64 were the most likely to say they had no intention of changing their diet as they entered their 70s.
But among those who changed their diet as they aged, more than half (54%) said they did so because they wanted to “feel better and have more energy”.
About a third (33%) were motivated to change their diet because of concerns about the long-term impact their previous diet had on their health.
The survey also found that women were more likely to change their diet to increase energy levels (58% compared to 47% of men), while men were more likely to change their diet because their doctor told them to. (25% vs. 14% of women), or that they were inspired by a friend, family member or colleague.
What lessons can we learn from countries with healthy diets?
A common theme among countries with healthy diets is that they prioritize eating lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as beans, lentils, and other legumes, while eating small portions of animal products, such as fish. and chickens that are eaten less frequently. .
“Food choices are often influenced by what’s available locally and in season,” says nutritionist Sandra Michaels, author of Goth Chronicles. “These dietary practices not only feed the body with essential nutrients but also support overall health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.”
Commenting on the new SunLife study, she said: “The residents of these places don’t rely on gimmicks, fad diets or superfoods; they just live their lives by following a few key principles.”
She said:
Japan
“The Japanese diet is characterized by fresh seafood, rice (including brown), vegetables and fermented foods such as miso, promoting longevity through nutrient-dense and minimally processed foods. Green tea is also Rich in antioxidants, which support metabolism and overall health.”
Greece and Italy
“The Mediterranean diet, which is prevalent in Greece and Italy, emphasizes olive oil, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, offering heart benefits and a balanced approach to fats and nutrients.”
South Korea
“South Korean cuisine is unique for its fermented foods like kimchi, lots of vegetables, and lean proteins from seafood—all of which support a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Digestive, immune, and even mental health.”
Australia
“The Australian diet is a unique blend of diverse cultural influences. Australians benefit from an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood and poultry, whole grains, and legume proteins, which provide essential nutrients. and supports sustainable farming practices.”
Ethiopia
“Ethiopian cuisine is vibrant and deeply traditional, centered around plant-based ingredients and whole foods. Staple foods include injera, a nutritious flatbread made from teff flour, and beans, Legumes such as chickpeas and peas provide essential protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates, and the use of a variety of vegetables and spices will improve the nutrition of the diet.
Sweden
“The Swedish diet, characterized by whole grains such as corn and barley, root vegetables, fatty fish such as salmon, and dairy-based products such as skier, prioritizes simplicity and seasonal, local ingredients. , supports overall well-being by focusing on nutrient-dense foods.”
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