Nordic Diet Rates As Highly As Mediterranean
April 6th, 2009
The Mediterranean diet is facing competition from the “Nordic diet,” which, scientists say could be significantly healthier.
The popularity of the Mediterranean diet stems from data showing people living in countries bordering the Mediterranean have lower levels of cardiovascular disease, obesity and certain types of cancer. Their diet consists of large amounts of vegetables, nuts, bread and fish, which make the Mediterranean diet very low in saturated fats, which typically come from meat.
But the latest findings from scientists working in northern Europe suggest foods from Scandinavian countries can provide a more convenient alternative. Native berries from northern Europe such as blueberries, cowberries and cloudberries contain as much unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids as fish per unit of energy.
They are also rich in antioxidants, which are known to reduce the levels of harmful molecules in cells which can build up over time and cause damage, leading to diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer.
Rapeseed oil has been found to be a good alternative to olive oil, containing more omega-3 fatty acids and being a good source of vitamin E. Cabbage and other brassica species such a kale and Brussels sprouts, which tend to thrive in cold-weather conditions, have been found to contain some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any vegetable and are a good source of vitamin K, which plays a role in blood coagulation. Traditional Nordic diets have also been high in fish, with particular preference for salmon, trout, cod and herring.
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