There are certain months of the year in which they expand miracle food. Professionals have a responsibility to warn of the risks that many of them face, as well as to support those supported by science. This means that it has been talked about (a lot) for some time The Nordic Diet, also known as the Viking or Scandinavian Diet: A way of eating according to the traditions of countries such as Sweden, Norway and Denmark that has nothing to do with the advice of Skardel or Ser Humano, which is fashionable.
Often, the Nordic diet is balanced against the Mediterranean diet, and this has been published by the World Health Organization itself. Some of its advantages. To this we have to add that there are some who say that this is a nutrient that we simply can’t get enough of lose weightBut we can too Delay the first signs of aging. But what do experts think of its principles?
Expert opinion
Laura George, Dietitian-Nutritionist and Founder of the Laura George Center for Nutrition, Psychology and Health The Nordic diet is supportive because it is based on consuming local and seasonal foodsWhich seems to him “an ideal way to feed ourselves, since we ensure that the food has a greater taste and is not as contaminated in transport.” Experts assure that it is a nutrient that is given Prescribes eating seasonal fruits and vegetables, quality protein, Healthy fats (They use unrefined rapeseed oil instead of olive, because it’s more accessible there) Lemons, almonds, Low-fat dairy products in moderation (preferably fermented) and a Few or no contributions processedIt is a diet that we can consider healthy.
Dietitian and nutritionist Aina Kandel feels the same way. It tells us that, in addition to being guided by the principles we’ve mentioned, it places special emphasis on seafood, berries, whole grains and seeds. On the other hand, it bets in addition to those who have been accused Avoid saturated fat, refined sugar and artificial additives.
What should you eat if you’re going to do the Nordic Diet?
According to Aina Kandel, the foods you’re going to prioritize if you follow the Nordic Diet are:
- the fish: The Nordic countries have a long tradition of eating fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- Berry: Like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, they are an important part of the Nordic diet due to their high antioxidant and vitamin content.
- whole grains: Oats, barley, and rye are examples of whole grains commonly eaten in the Nordic diet, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- vegetables: Root vegetables, such as carrots and beets, as well as cabbage and root vegetables, are staples of the Nordic diet.
- Seeds and nuts: Flax, chia, flax, and sunflower seeds, nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts, are sources of healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Low-fat dairy foods: Dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and skimmed milk are consumed in moderation in the Nordic diet.
In summary, The Nordic Diet promotes healthy eating through the inclusion of fresh, natural and nutritious foodsWith a focus on sustainability, simplicity and seasonality. Some of the benefits associated with this style of eating include reducing the risk of chronic disease, improving cardiovascular health and supporting a balanced lifestyle.
Advantages and some disadvantages of the Nordic diet
As strong points of the Nordic diet, according to Laura George, we can highlight Emphasis is placed on the inclusion of foods rich in healthy fats and fiber Such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. All these help us get better cardiovascular and digestive health.such as
However, he assures that it may lack some flavor and spice, since certain fruits and vegetables are more difficult to grow there, which may upset the person following this diet. Specifically, according to Aina, What it lacks is the presence of tropical fruitsAnd, as a result, some nutrients like vitamin C, which can be beneficial to health.
Nordic Diet vs Mediterranean Diet
The WHO supports the Nordic and Mediterranean diets equallyBut is there one that is better than the other? Will the fact of living in Spain influence us when deciding between one or the other? Laura George says that “the patterns of the two diets are actually very similar,” and believes that “it wouldn’t make sense for them to compete.” “Both are based on the same thing, fresh and seasonal food, but each diet focuses on products typical of its area. It would make no sense for Norwegians to try to follow a Mediterranean diet If in your city you cannot find, for example, orange or olive oil as is common in the Mediterranean region,” he elaborates.
“Nordic and Mediterranean diets are Two healthy eating styles who come from different geographical regions. Although it is true that they share similarities in promoting health and well-being, each has its own approach and its characteristic elements,” adds Aina. In addition, the expert specified some things that are common and others that they distinguish:
- Geographical origin: Mediterranean diet is based on traditional cuisine in Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain; The Nordic diet focuses on the cuisine of the Nordic countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland.
- main ingredient: Mediterranean diet is characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish, olive oil and moderate amounts of red wine.- Nordic Diet. It focuses on foods like fish, berries, whole grains, vegetables, low-fat dairy, seeds and nuts.
- fat: The Mediterranean diet stands out for consuming the healthy fats found in olive oil; The Nordic diet includes sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish.
- seasonality: Both diets encourage the consumption of fresh, local and seasonal foods, which promote sustainability and nutritional diversity.
- Health benefits: Both the Mediterranean and Nordic diets are associated with reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity, while promoting healthy aging.
In short, both the Mediterranean and Nordic diets Share the basic principles of healthy eatingIncluding consumption of fresh and nutritious foods, moderation in animal protein consumption and promotion of healthy fats. For this reason, both diets are considered exemplary eating patterns and are supported by scientific evidence regarding their health benefits.