Nordic diet is from norway denmark and iceland, but it is based on Mediterranean diet. It helps a lot for those suffering with cardiac issues or want to live a healthier lifestyle. It is totally based on seasonal food which grows in their areas. As compared to other diets it's safer and more fun. It mainly contains complex carbohydrates, high levels of proteins, fibre dairy products and healthy fats. Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Dr. Anjali Phatak, Director Nutripulse and Senior Clinical Nutritionist, Nutripulse, Jaipur, to know everything about Nordic diet.
What to eat
- Fish
- Sea foods
- Sea vegetables
- Herbs and spices
- Green leafy vegetables
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Pulses
- Whole grains.
- Dairy products
What not to eat
- Processed food
- Fast food
- Carbonated drink
- Additives
- Excessively salty food
Benefits of Nordic diet
Nordic diet is pocket friendly because it contains locally grounded food. It is very helpful for those who are struggling with high blood pressure, diabetes, PCOD and obesity. This diet can help you enjoy your cravings too because it contains everything in moderation. It contains vitamin mineral and antioxidant rich food which is very essential for your body. Here are the health benefits of nordic diet:
1. Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
High salt intake leads to high blood pressure Nordic diet restricts excess salt intake. Low salt intake means that the amount of sodium and potassium ions will be less and hence it helps with high blood pressure.
2. Reduces inflammation
Nordic diet has a lot of healing properties, it helps in reducing inflammation in body. It helps a lot to thode who are suffering with inflammation and swelling due to PCOD and Arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
3. Promotes weight loss
Nordic diet is very good for weight loss because it contains a lot of fibre. It contains complex carbohydrates and fibre which help in controlling weight. It insists to eat everything in moderation. It Means we don't tend to binge eat because we already satisfy some of our cravings. Nordic diet allows eating more and still reduces the risks of gaining much weight but you must be mindful with the number calories that you eat.
4. Improves heart health
Nordic diet contains ample good fats like avocado, seed and nuts which help in increasing good cholesterol levels in body. These fats helps in vitamin absorption in body and keeps you healthier. It not only just increases HDL levels in body but It also helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels in the body.
Also read: Non-Dairy Calcium Diet: These Foods Give More Calcium Than Milk or Dairy
Side effects of nordic diet
There are no adverse effects of this diet, it includes all heathy foods. It does not have any side effects.It is mostly healthy for your body as well as your mind. But for people who are living out of the region of origin it can cause a a few difficulties.But it contains all healthy ingredients so can go forward with it without second thoughts.
1. Expensive
Nordic diet contains a variety of healthy fats, seeds and nuts. However healthy they might be but they can surely dig a whole in your pockets. It contains sea food which is also very expensive.
2. Not always practical
Nordic diet contains a few impractical ingredients like fresh herbs and spices. We might not get the same ingredients available every where. It could be a task to find all the ingredients. We would definitely lose out on certain sea vegetables which will be rare to find in planes and mountainous regions which makes it a little difficult to follow.
It might not be very convenient for a lot of people but if you can get the food items you can surely follow this diet. This diet has a lot of perks as discussed above. It prove to be really helpful if it is accompanied by regular sound sleep and some physical activity. Nordic diet can totally help you improve the quality of life and life expectancy.