Relocating to a new country often means adjusting more than just your surroundings - your eating habits are likely to change as well. The quality and variety of food can differ widely from one country to another, making it essential to consider whether your new home offers nutritious culinary options. Exploring local food traditions is also an excellent way to connect with the culture. Interested in knowing which countries are known for their healthy eating habits? Here are five that lead the way!
Widely regarded as the healthiest diet, Mediterranean cuisine tops the list, with Greece leading the way thanks to its famous “Cretan diet.” Mediterranean cuisine is abundant in both flavour and colour, as showcased by Spain. Lastly, Italy might just be the country with the finest cuisine in the world, offering dishes that are as healthy as they are delicious.
The benefits of Mediterranean cuisine are well-established. Packed with omega-3s to support cardiovascular health, fibre for digestive regularity, and rich in vitamins and antioxidants, the Mediterranean diet is a proven shield against numerous diseases.
Bring colour to your plate! Incorporate olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, olives, nuts, herbs, and seafood. Try to limit red meat and processed, sugary foods. Some delectable dishes to try: louvi (a Greek bean salad), Spanish tapas, or Sicilian caponata.
At the eastern edge of the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern cuisine mirrors its neighbour’s diet, with a unique twist. Countries like Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine and Israel offer food that’s not only delicious but packed with health benefits.
Similar to Mediterranean cuisine, Middle Eastern cuisine is abundant in omega-3s, vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. It also incorporates a wide variety of herbs and spices known for their numerous health benefits. For instance, cumin is well-regarded for aiding digestion.
Explore the region's rich culinary traditions by indulging in hummus, tabbouleh, mustabal, stuffed vine leaves, and lentil soup. The foundation of this diet is fresh produce, lean proteins, nuts, herbs, spices, and, of course, olive oil.
If you’re considering moving to Japan, Korea, or Thailand, you’ll be glad to know their culinary traditions are among the healthiest in the world.
Japan’s cuisine is one of the healthiest, with meals primarily composed of fresh fish (rich in omega-3), vegetables (packed with vitamins and minerals), rice, starches, soy-based products (high-quality proteins, healthier than red meat), and seaweed (providing iodine, omega-3, and calcium). In the Land of the Rising Sun, tea, with its numerous health benefits, is also a cultural staple.
Asian cuisine also features fermented foods, such as kombucha and Korean kimchi, which are rich in probiotics that are excellent for gut health.
Adopting Asian cuisine might seem a bit challenging at first. Embrace Asian flavours by incorporating seaweed, cooked fish, noodle soups, and fermented foods into your diet. Even if sushi isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to discover.
Mexican food isn’t just about tacos and burritos! If you’re planning to move to Mexico, you will be happy to know that the traditional diet, rooted in indigenous culture, is packed with nutrition and can easily be part of a healthy lifestyle.
Mexico’s cuisine is one of the healthiest because it offers high-fibre meals, with ingredients like avocado providing heart-healthy omega-3s - a staple since pre-Columbian times.
Sample traditional Mexican dishes such as guacamole, corn tortillas, and prickly pear. Key ingredients in a Mexican diet include corn, beans, avocado, tomato, meat, chili, and peanuts.
With its vast array of spices, India rightfully earns a place in our top 5 healthiest diets worldwide. Notably, we owe the Ayurvedic diet to India, a nutritional approach rooted in ancient Indian medicine.
Spices like turmeric and ginger, the stars of many Indian dishes, are potent anti-inflammatories. Cumin and coriander are also known to aid digestion, making this cuisine as functional as it is flavourful.
Stock up on spices and take your taste buds on a journey with homemade curries, chai tea, and aloo gobi.
Whether you're planning to move abroad or simply looking to upgrade your diet, you can adopt the world’s healthiest eating habits from the comfort of your home. Discovering new cuisines is an excellent way to maintain your well-being while enjoying a delicious gastronomic adventure!
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