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Writer's pictureSteve Symonds

What cuisine is the healthiest - we're not all going to agree...



Disclaimer - this is just an out-loud thought and by no means trumps any specific advice a dietician or nutrition has told you about your specific needs. Generally a cardio-protective diet is a good place to start and can be researched further at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) website where they have some lovely recipes too... Anyway, what I was saying is...


Identifying a single "best" world cuisine for longevity and health is challenging, as health outcomes are influenced by a combination of various factors, including overall dietary patterns, lifestyle, and genetics. However, several cuisines have been associated with positive health outcomes. Here are a few examples supported by scientific research:


1. Mediterranean Diet: The Mediterranean diet, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, has been extensively studied for its health benefits. Research suggests that adherence to this diet is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, certain cancers, and overall mortality. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts reduced the incidence of major cardiovascular events.


Reference: Estruch, R. et al. (2013). Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet. The New England Journal of Medicine, 368(14), 1279-1290.


2. Japanese Diet: The traditional Japanese diet is rich in seafood, vegetables, soy products, and fermented foods like miso and natto. Studies have suggested that adherence to this diet is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and overall mortality. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that a higher adherence to the Japanese diet was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality.

Reference: Nanri, A. et al. (2017). Association of All-Cause Mortality with the Japanese Diet: A 24-Year Follow-Up of the NIPPON DATA80 Cohort. British Medical Journal Open, 7(4), e015312.


3. Plant-Based Diets: Plant-based diets, such as vegetarian or vegan diets, emphasize the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds while minimizing or excluding animal products. Research suggests that these diets can be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and overall mortality. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that a higher adherence to a plant-based diet was associated with a lower risk of death from all causes, particularly cardiovascular disease.


Reference: Satija, A. et al. (2017). Healthful and Unhealthful Plant-Based Diets and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in U.S. Adults. JAMA Internal Medicine, 177(7), 1-9.


It's important to note that these studies demonstrate associations rather than causal relationships. Additionally, individual dietary requirements and health conditions should be considered when adopting any specific diet. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is recommended for personalized dietary advice.


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