The UAE recently introduced a points-based rewards system to encourage its residents to eat healthy and keep fit. These points can be used to redeem a range of public services. But in many countries, healthy eating is an essential part of the lifestyle. Let's have a look at some of them.
Greece
You have perhaps heard of the Mediterranean diet. Many have tried it to lose weight. Did you know that UNESCO has recognised the Mediterranean diet as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" since 2010? So it's not really surprising that the Greeks have a life expectancy of 81.79 years. The Greek cuisine mainly consists of fresh vegetables and fruits, fish and seafood, nuts, and olive oil. These different nutrients help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, strokes, cardiac arrest, and even depression.
Spain
Spain is not just about wine and paella, although they are essential components of its culinary wealth. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, Spanish cuisine also has Asian, Latin American and African influences. As in Greek cuisine, it mainly consists of fresh fruits and vegetables and 250 varieties of olive oils. Tomato, onion, garlic and peppers are crucial to Spanish cuisine, but there are also spices such as saffron, cumin and cinnamon. Each of Spain's regions has its own specialities, but overall, most of them are rich in fibre and Omega 3 and are cholesterol-free. So eating locally definitely helps Spaniards to stay healthy.
Italy
It wouldn't be fair not to mention Italian cuisine, which is as healthy as it is diverse. Indeed, each region has its own culinary specialities, as is the case in Spain. Cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, cold cuts, fish, wine, and olive oil are just some of the essential elements of Italian cuisine. So if you only know pizza and pasta, you haven't seen anything yet. Through their cuisine, Italians nourish both their body and soul. This could explain their life expectancy of 81 years. Fast food is not common in Italy. The people there take the time to savour every bite.
Nordic countries
Nordic countries stand out every year in virtually all rankings, including quality of life. And the Nordic cuisine certainly has something to do with it. People in Sweden, Denmark and Finland don't just eat meat and fish. Scandinavian cuisine is also rich in seafood, seasonal vegetables and fruits, and berries, all providing different flavours and aromas. Most Nordic dishes are fat-free since they are carefully prepared. Besides, sustainability is an essential component of Scandinavian cuisine. They don't waste anything! Even though the cuisine varies slightly from one country to another, it is quite similar to Mediterranean cuisine. But the Swedes, for example, love canola, bread and potatoes. Icelanders, for their part, are regularly supplied with fresh fish, cholesterol-free and rich in Omega 3. Did you know that people in Iceland eat four times more fish than anywhere else?
Japan
If you love sushi, Japan has it all. But Japanese cuisine isn't just about sushi. It is also one of the world's healthiest cuisines thanks to its balanced diets. Japanese cuisine includes a wide range of nutrients, including fresh fish, accompanied by fruits and vegetables, starches, and often meat. Interestingly, however, traditional Japanese cuisine doesn't include meat. There are more soups, vegetables, rice and noodles, and seaweed. Did you know that according to tradition, the Japanese stop eating when they feel 80% full? Then they have a cup of green tea. Indeed, green tea contributes to the reduction of stress and the risk of depression, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and the impact of certain cancers. So it's not surprising that the Japanese have a life expectancy of 84.21 years.
Israel
Have you ever tasted Israeli cuisine? If not, wait no more! Israel also has one of the world's most diverse and healthy cuisines. It is essentially made up of fish, vegetables, unsaturated fat, and herbs containing specific vitamins that facilitate digestion. If you love salads, whether lettuce or tomatoes, you will get them with almost every meal. It's worth noting that Israelis are one of the nations with the lowest cholesterol in the world, which could explain their life expectancy of 82.80 years.
