Across the world, African countries still have the healthiest diets ever. This is because most parts of the developing continent are not technologically advanced enough to compromise on the “naturalness” and quality of the food. Most Africans still grow their food naturally and eat it fresh (for the most part). As subsistence farmers, they grow what they eat. They source their groceries, fruit and veg direct and fresh from their farms/gardens. I think going green isn’t just an environmental term, it has to do with the food we eat.
Food industrialization has done things comfortably at some level. Still, it seems to be diminishing the value of our food lately. Lifestyle is also a determinant of what we consume. Since the industrial revolution, health conditions such as obesity, chronic heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes have become almost epidemic. As said, “you are what you eat”. So it’s not a fairy tale when we suggest that a healthy meal equals a healthy person.
There are countries around the world that can still provide rich and nutritious healthy meals. It’s worth noting that West African countries eat the pie mostly in countries with the healthiest diets in the world.
So what constitutes a healthy diet? Preservation and preservation of the nutritional values of the diet. If the components of the food have absolutely nothing to offer, then the meal is anything but healthy. It’s just garbage in disguise. This is why terms like “junk” foods exist. HEALTHY DIETS are the answer to overall improved health. They are foods that are not soaked in chemicals and preservatives. Foods that keep the body in great condition and fight disease.
according to dr Fumiaki Imamura of the University of Cambridge, a healthy diet plays a “vital role” in reducing non-communicable diseases, which will account for 75% of all deaths by 2020. Countries that eat healthily automatically have a high life expectancy.
1. The Mediterranean
These are the sailors. The Mediterranean diet is one of the most well-known and healthiest diets in the world. The cuisine is rich in seafood, natural herbs and vegetables – typical of nature and served on a plate. Olive oil is their main source of fat. They also love nuts, grains, and dairy. This is a natural way to preserve your vegetables. Studies have shown that conditions such as dementia, heart disease and obesity can be managed through a healthy Mediterranean diet. Mediterranean countries include Israel, Tunisia, Croatia, Malta, Morocco, Egypt and Algeria.
2. France
As a nation that also borders France, the Mediterranean has one of the healthiest diets in the world. The French love cheese, bread and meat. Surprisingly, they don’t have the high rates of heart disease expected from countries that consume saturated fats like them. It has been found that the secret lies in the amount of cheese/fats they consume at one time. This proves dieticians right when they say that the idea of a healthy and balanced diet is to eat everything in moderation. The fatty food sources are richly enriched with fruits, beans, vegetables and legumes.
3.Nordic
The Nordic region consists of countries in Northern Europe and the North Atlantic – Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland. They also have one of the healthiest diets in the world. A recent study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that Nordic diets reduce inflammation as it relates to “chronic disease and an increased risk of colon cancer.” Their meals consist largely of rye bread, berries, apples, cabbage, root vegetables, oily fish, fermented milk, and cheese. They have the same health benefits as the Mediterranean – high in fiber and low in calories.
4. Japan
Ever wondered what the secret of the high life expectancy rate of the Japanese is? It’s a simple, healthy diet. In 2005 there was a national awareness campaign in Japan encouraging the intake of less saturated fats, high carbohydrates and processed foods. The Asian country takes a lot of water and tea. Japanese meals consist mainly of carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, fish and meat. Their longevity largely depends on their diet.
5. West Africa
West Africa has a variety of healthy foods that are awesome for individual nations. However, they do share some healthy staples like rice (whole grains), sweet potatoes, fish, nuts, beans, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. As controversial as the amount of food eaten per meal is, the saving grace for people in this region is activity levels and consumption of less processed foods.
A Cambridge University study confirms that “Consumption of healthy foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish and foods high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids found in West African diets was highest.”
Some of the countries with the healthiest diets in the world are:
1. Chad
2. Sierra Leone
3. Mali
4. Gambia
5. Uganda
6. Ghana
7. Ivory Coast
8. Senegal
9. Israel
10. Somalia