These Countries Are the Healthiest in the World & This is Why
I’ll have what they’re having, please.
According to the Bloomberg Global Health Index, Spain, Italy and Iceland ranked first, second and third, respectively, as the healthiest countries at the start of 2020. COVID-19 data has not been included in this particular analysis, as trends are still being analyzed. Each country was scored based on variables such as life expectancy, health risks such as obesity and malnutrition, environmental factors, and more. What specifically is it though that makes these countries among the healthiest in the world? The commonality between these top 3 lies within their diets and personal care.
Photo: The Telegraph
Spain
Coming in at number one is Spain. The Spanish place a major emphasis on freshness and locality when it comes to cuisine, and their diets consist largely of olive oil, fresh vegetables, lean meats, and red wine. (Phew.) Those living here commonly follow this mediterranean diet that is loaded with healthy fats, vegetables and legumes while being very low in processed food with low amounts of red meat. It is rare to see fast food consumption in Spain. Additionally, Spain has the highest percentage of walkers within their country, as nearly half of the population opts to walk everywhere that they can. A midday ‘siesta’ can’t hurt their scores either.
Photo: Lonely Planet
Italy
In second place, the Italians follow a very similar lifestyle. People living in Italy are very active, and contrary to popular belief, they also stick to a version of the mediterranean diet that is rich in vegetables and olive oil. A major benefit to the mediterranean diet is that it promotes good cholesterol levels, which is very helpful in balancing out the occasional pizza or bowl of pasta. This said, the true Italian diet is not the same as Italian food served in America. The mediterranean type of cuisine found in Italy incorporates complex carbohydrates, fresh vegetables and fruits, with an accent placed on fish consumption as opposed to meat, and the use of olive oil instead of butter as main form of condiment. Like the Spanish, Italians rarely eat fast food.
Photo: KMPG International
Iceland
Citizens of Iceland are among the happiest and healthiest people in the world. Some may be shocked that they’ve ranked so highly on the health charts, but when you really look into their lifestyle choices, there is no question that they’re doing things right. In Iceland, people are very active and spend a lot of time outdoors. How could you not want to explore the gorgeous scenery? In terms of cuisine, the Icelandic diet is sometimes considered an even more pure form of the mediterranean diet. It is one largely composed of fresh seafood (cooked in olive oil) from their pure waters and free-range meat, like lamb which is a pure, non fatty meat which also contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
So what is the common denominator here?
Getting outside, walking as much as possible, and eating a balanced diet that incorporates fresh foods and mediterranean-style recipes.
We didn’t need these rankings to remind us that fast food is largely what makes the American society far less healthy than many others; however, they do call out some great replacements that we can make a conscious choice to implement within our own diets. Next time you’re thinking of eating red meat, opt for seafood. When you reach for the butter, do as the Romans do, and reach for the olive oil instead.
