Study Shows Nordic Diet May Treat Type-2 Diabetes And Fatty Liver – Expert Decodes

You must have heard about the Mediterranean diet. It emphasises on plant-based foods, particularly unprocessed cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. The benefits of this diet is widely known. One similar diet, whose benefits are varied, has recently made news after a study discovered that it may help in the treatment of both type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Wondering which diet we are talking about? We are referring to the Nordic diet.

To know more about Nordic diet, we reached Dr Geetika Chopra, Celebrity Holistic Nutritionist. Read ahead.

What Is The Study On Nordic Diet About?

As per a new study, a healthy Nordic diet can help in the treatment of both type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This diet is high in dietary fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables, but consists of a small percentage of saturated fat. In this study, researchers compared three different types of diet. After one year, researchers were able to show in this new study that a Nordic diet is better than both the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations and a low-carbohydrate diet. This is in accordance with treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.

During the course of the study, the healthy Nordic diet gave best results in participants with diabetes; just over 20% of their liver fat was reduced and blood sugar (glucose) control improved over one year. More than half of the participants also witnessed a remission of their fatty liver disease. Thus, the study results are equally important for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as those with type 2 diabetes.

What Is A Nordic Diet?

To begin with, let us tell you what a Nordic diet is. “The Nordic diet is a traditional eating pattern followed in Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. It focuses on seasonal, locally sourced, minimally processed foods,” says Dr Chopra.

The expert explains further, “The diet emphasises on whole grains like rye, oats, and barley; plenty of vegetables (especially root vegetables and cruciferous vegetables); berries instead of tropical fruits; legumes; nuts and seeds; and fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and herring. Healthy fats mainly come from rapeseed (canola) oil. Red meat, refined sugar, and processed foods are kept to a minimum. The Nordic diet is built around sustainability, nutrient density, and metabolic balance.”

Also Read: What Is Nordic Diet? Know Everything About It From A Nutritionist 

What Are The Benefits Of A Nordic Diet?

On this note, Dr Chopra sheds light on the benefits of Nordic diet:

• The Nordic diet is naturally rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant polyphenols, which together help reduce chronic inflammation and improve metabolic health.
• High fibre intake supports gut health and improves blood sugar regulation, while omega-3 fats support heart and brain function.
• Studies show that people following a Nordic diet often experience improved cholesterol levels, better insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, and healthier body weight.
• Since this diet prioritises whole foods over refined and packaged foods, it also supports long-term cardiovascular and digestive health.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Nordic Diet?

Now that we know how beneficial a Nordic diet is, let us understand whether it has any negatives or not. “For most people, the Nordic diet is safe and well tolerated. However, individuals who are not used to a high-fibre diet may experience temporary bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort when they first adopt it,” shares Dr Chopra.

She adds, “These symptoms usually improve as the gut adapts. People with specific food intolerances, such as gluten sensitivity or fish allergies, may need personalised adjustments. Accessibility can also be a challenge outside Nordic regions, requiring local food substitutions to maintain nutritional balance.”

Can Nordic Diet Treat Type-2 Diabetes And Fatty Liver?

The new study has claimed that a Nordic diet can help in the treatment of Type-2 diabetes and fatty liver. We ask our expert to share her views on this. “Yes, research suggests that the Nordic diet can be beneficial in managing Type-2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its emphasis on low-glycaemic whole grains, high fibre intake, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory foods helps improve insulin sensitivity and stabilise blood sugar levels,” explains Dr Chopra.

She continues, “Improved glucose control reduces excess fat storage in the liver and supports liver function. When followed consistently along with lifestyle changes such as physical activity and adequate sleep, the Nordic diet can help slow disease progression and improve metabolic outcomes.”

Mediterranean Diet Vs Nordic diet – What Is The Difference?

People are often confused between Mediterranean and Nordic diets since both diets are considered among the healthiest globally and share a foundation of whole, anti-inflammatory foods. But our expert explains how they both vary from one another:

• The main differences lie in regional food choices and fat sources.
• The Mediterranean diet relies heavily on olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and moderate dairy, along with fish and occasional wine.
• The Nordic diet focuses more on berries instead of fruits, rapeseed oil instead of olive oil, rye and oats instead of wheat, and cold-water fish.
• While the Mediterranean diet evolved in warmer climates, the Nordic diet is adapted to colder regions, but both promote metabolic health and disease prevention.

Also Read: Nordic Diet: Effective In Reducing The Risk Of Diabetes And Stroke

The Final Word

As per a new study, a healthy Nordic diet can help in the treatment of both type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The Nordic diet is a traditional eating pattern followed in Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. It focuses on seasonal, locally sourced, minimally processed foods.