Top 5 healthiest diets from around the world

#1 Mediterranean cuisine: the gold standard for healthy living

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

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.

How to adopt it

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.

#2 Middle Eastern cuisine: flavourful and nutritious

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.

The 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.

How to enjoy it

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.

#3 Asian cuisine: a powerhouse of health

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.

The benefits

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.

How to adopt it

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.

#4 Mexican cuisine: a healthy legacy

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.

The benefits

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.

How to enjoy it

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.

#5 Indian cuisine: spices and wellness

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.

The benefits

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.

How to adopt it

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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