You might have heard how the Mediterranean natives have a lower risk of heart disease and high cholesterol compared to the rest of the world, because of this current dietary recommendations include high fruit and veg, moderate protein (particularly oily fish), lots of olive oil and vegetable oils etc. Well according to new research by Uusitupa, Hermansen, Savolainen et al. (2013), it seems the Scandinavians aka Nordics are doing something right too.
Nordic countries are located in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and their associated territories. Granted the perceived benefits are largely because their diets contain much the same as the Mediterranean would, but interesting findings include lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and higher HDL (good cholesterol) making a diet consisting of predominantly berries, root vegetables, legumes, and cabbage, nuts, game, poultry and fish, as well as whole grains, rapeseed oil and low-fat dairy products a must have staple in any diet. Many of these products are inherently high in calories meaning portion sizes should still be controlled, the idea is, and always will be, to get the balance right!
If you struggle to get fish and essential oils into your diet then consider an alternative method such as an omega oil blend (flax derived) or omega fish oil. These can aid heart health by reducing inflammation as well as supporting joint health and integrity.
Source:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130529101512.htm
