World's Top 20 Healthiest Countries & Their Food | You May Surprise To...

What the world’s healthiest countries eat may surprise you.

Using data published in The Lancet from the Socio-Demographic Index, which assesses a number of health risks across 188 countries, we count down the world’s healthiest countries and take a look at what people there really eat and drink.

 20.New Zealand:

Barbecues are a big part of Kiwi culture, meaning healthy eating often comes in the form of fresh fish and shellfish, which is grilled on the barbie, retaining all of its natural goodness. 

19.Estonia:

Traditionally, Estonian cuisine has been based on meat and potatoes, with fish featuring highly in seaside areas. But other popular ingredients are beetroot, cabbage and carrots, as well as rye bread and dairy products.

18.Japan:

With one of the highest life expectancies in the world, research has linked health in Japan to a diet high in certain carbs, vegetables, fruits, fish and meat. Most people would assume rice to be a bad food, but the Japanese are certainly testament to this being untrue with one of the lowest obesity rates in the world.

17.Greece:

The Mediterranean diet is well-known as being one of the world’s healthiest, featuring fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and dairy, as well as olive oil as the main source of fat. Of course the occasional glass of red wine is consumed too!

16.Slovenia:

Typically, Slovenian food can be very heavy, meaty and plain and the nation’s most popular drink is beer; not the most perfect recipe for health. But in coastal cities, local specialties are fish, squid, mussels and octopus and in cities residents can be found dining on plenty of salads and chicken.

15.France:

Breads, meats, cheese and pastries – how can they possibly be healthy, right? The French paradox has always been pretty puzzling. However, quantity is key in France. Yes, locals do indulge in croissants, rich cheese and gallons of vino, but they do so in small portions.

14.Israel:

Some of the most common ingredients in the Israeli diet include chickpeas, couscous, as well as oranges and even avocados. The mix of food-types keeps the Israeli diet varied and balanced.

13.Portugal:

Portuguese cuisine is famous for its seafood, notably salt cod and clams, which are a product of the nation’s well-developed fishing industry. 

12.Brunei:

Often spicy, the Bruneian diet provides plenty of flavors and plenty of fresh fish. Rice dishes are incredibly popular, making the diet quite carb-heavy, but alcohol is banned due to the Islamic religion.

11.Italy:

While dough-based dishes are served throughout the country, Italian cuisine is also based on the Mediterranean diet, meaning locals get to eat plenty of fresh fish and salads, as well as the all-important good fats in olive oil.

10.Belgium:

Belgian dishes include leeks, shrimp and asparagus, so fresh food is always on hand.

9.Cyprus:

The Cypriot diet is, in most parts, very healthy. Key ingredients include lots of fresh vegetables such as zucchini, okra, green beans, artichokes, carrots and tomatoes. That’s not to mention all the pulses, such as chickpeas, lentils and beans. 

8.Germany:

Surprisingly, it’s not all bratwurst and schnitzel in Germany. But it is all cheese and breads. The German diet is notoriously unhealthy, but for some reason, Germany isn’t a particularly obese nation. Why? We suspect it’s down to good exercise.

7.Luxembourg:

Taking inspiration from the French, Luxembourg has many sweet delicacies such as cake, fruit pies and patisseries. But aside from these unhealthy treats, the local rivers are a great source for lots of fresh fish, keeping the diet light in most parts – apart from the wine and beer of course.

6.Norway:

Much like Sweden and Denmark, the Norwegian diet is true to Scandinavian minimalism. It is also full of raw ingredients brought in from the Norwegian mountains and coast, such as local fish and meat. 

 5.Australia:

Like the Kiwis, Aussies love a good barbeque and eating fresh, grilled food. But their healthy diet also comes from the availability of organic and biodynamic foods, as well as regional produce. 

4.Canada:

Food is arguably not the reason Canada is one of the healthiest countries in the world. With staple dishes such as maple syrup, poutine and bacon, fat levels are high. But it somehow manages to make up for it elsewhere, with good overall health and plenty of exercise.

3.Finland:

Finnish cuisine features a lot of pastry and meat; hearty, wholesome meals that are filling as well as tasty.  Water and coffee are also the most common drinks in Finland, meaning alcohol levels are kept quite low.

2.UK:

Homegrown produce is the reason the UK has managed to slip into the top five, as most ingredients are grown and sourced from within the country. Seasonal foods are also key, and most restaurants serve residents produce that is fit for the particular season.

 1.Iceland:

Fish is a key part of the Icelandic life, notably wild salmon, haddock and herring – all of which are full of essential fatty acids.