The Nordic diet: Healthy eating with an eco-friendly bent

If you've never heard of Nordic diet you can imagine a plate of these Swedish meatballs are sold in Ikea. 

But in fact, this style of eating healthier foods focuses on, including many plant foods that nutritionists always encourage us to eat. 

And although the data are limited so far, several studies suggest a model of Nordic diet may promote weight loss and blood pressure.

As the name implies, the Nordic diet foods that are locally sourced or eat in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, traditionally. Developed in collaboration with renowned gourmet restaurant Noma Copenhagen, the plan emphasizes the use of seasonal foods, healthy, regional. (Do not necessarily represent how most Scandinavians eat every day, though)

What is the provision of food

Nordic staple diet are whole grains such as rye, barley and oats; berries and other fruits; vegetables (especially cabbage and root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots); Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and herring; and legumes (beans and peas).

"The Nordic diet is a healthy diet pattern which shares many elements with the Mediterranean diet," said Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition at Harvard University School TH Chan of public health. 

The Mediterranean diet - widely considered the best diet for prevention of heart disease - also emphasizes plant foods. Both plans include moderate amounts of fish, eggs, and small amounts of dairy products, but to limit processed foods, sweets and red meat. 

Although the Mediterranean diet includes olive oil, the Nordic diet favors rapeseed oil (also known as canola oil). Such as olive oil, canola oil is rich in monounsaturated fat healthy. But it also contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid similar to the omega-3 fatty acids present in fish plant. 

Sure, fatty fish - the richest dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids - play a role in both northern and Mediterranean diets (test two to three servings per week) The Northern Plan also emphasizes high quality carbohydrates cereal, cookies and breads made with whole grain barley, oats and rye.

Americans can learn Swedish Wasa crispbreads, most of which are made with whole grains.  

In Denmark, a dense, dark sourdough bread called rugbrød is popular. These whole foods provide many nutrients to protect the heart, including fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Eat lots of fruits is another unique aspect of the Nordic diet may explain some of their health benefits. Research by Harvard scientists have linked eating large amounts of fruits (such as blueberries and strawberries) to a weight gain of less risk of suffering a heart attack. The berries are excellent sources of plant chemicals known as anthocyanins, which appear to lower blood pressure and cause blood vessels more flexible.

Bono: It's easy on the environment, too 

The Nordic diet offers an additional advantage: it is environmentally friendly. On the one hand, herbal diets use fewer natural resources (such as fossil fuels and water) and create less pollution without heavy meat diets.

In addition, the consumption of locally produced food also reduces energy consumption and food waste, says Dr. Hu. And while the Nordic diet makes sense for those who live in northern Europe, people worldwide can apply the same principles to your diet, no matter where they live.

While the Nordic diet has not been shown to prevent heart disease to the same extent that the Mediterranean diet, which is clearly a step above the average American diet, food and meat should be seen as good for He treated heart too. "People who really love berries, rye and canola should go ahead and enjoy a diet of Nordic type instead of waiting 10 years for more evidence," says Dr. Hu.

By: Julie Corliss