The trend toward healthy, regional, and environmentally friendly diets is gaining momentum. Similar to the Mediterranean diet, the Nordic diet is a regional diet that is being investigated for its health benefits. The Nordic countries include Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; the territories of the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and, Åland. Traditionally individuals in these areas eat whole grains such as rye, oats, fish, Nordic berries such as blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries, and cloudberries, seasonal root vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and rapeseed or canola oil.

Studies have shown that traditional Nordic foods should be considered as a part of a healthy diet, however, the evidence as to how much and how often these foods should be added to meal plans is lacking.  It has been suggested that Nordic diets contribute to longevity, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.

A 2022 study of 83, 669 women found that eating Nordic fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and fatty fish was not directly associated with decreases in all-cause mortality. Diets high in fatty fish including salmon, trout, herring, and mackerel, were shown to increase all-cause mortality. Whereas, increased consumption of lean fish such as cod, haddock, and plaice (excluding fish cakes, fish sticks, etc.) and whole grain products did reduce all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older women. Smoking status also entered into the equation. Eating Nordic fruits and vegetables seemed to be most beneficial in women that were either current or former smokers.

It should be noted that this is only one study and additional research is needed to determine the optimum role of a Nordic diet in health. The full study is available here. 

Enget Jensen TM, Braaten T, Jacobsen BK, Skeie G. Non-linear associations between healthy Nordic foods and all-cause mortality in the NOWAC study: a prospective study. BMC Public Health. 2022;22(1):169.

Photo by Markus Spiske