Plenty of berries, fruits and veg, as well as fish three times a week can help prevent common ailments like diabetes and heart disease as people get older, according to the findings.
A recent follow-up study has confirmed that regularly eating a Nordic diet reduces health risks, including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, according to researcher Hanna-Mari Tertsunen, from the University of Eastern Finland. A separate, previous study highlighted the Nordic diet's effectiveness in preventing strokes.
The study probed the links between good health and dietary recommendations issued in Finland and other Nordic countries, examining the condition and diet of middle-aged and elderly men from eastern Finland over a period of around 20 years.
"It was found that those who followed a healthy Nordic diet were less likely to die of cardiovascular disease than those who did not follow it as strictly," Tertsunen explained.
Nutrition recommendations in Finland and other Nordic countries suggest diets rich in berries, fruits and vegetables.
Whole grains are also preferred, and servings of varying types of fish two to three times a week. Nordic nutritionists also recommend limited consumption of sugary drinks and red meat.
The Finnish Food Authority has issued detailed dietary guidelines for people of all ages.
Tertsunen noted that a Mediterranean diet has long been considered to be healthy, but wanted to examine dietary habits that are more relevant to Finland, as little research has been carried out on the topic.
Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are very common ailments around the world, with coronary heart disease being one of the most common causes of death in the world.
Tertsunen said combined with other healthy lifestyle choices, a Nordic diet can reduce the risk of disease and offer a better quality of life for people as they age.
"Based on the results of the research, it seems that a Nordic diet is worth recommending to middle-aged men. It can reduce the various risks of illness and mortality," she said.
Tertunen noted that even if the diet isn't followed flawlessly, there are still health benefits to even partially following the guidelines.
A report on the research, Adherence to a healthy Nordic diet and risk of type 2 diabetes among men: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study was published in the European Journal of Nutrition.
I'm no stranger to the world of nutrition and health, and the findings you've shared echo the importance of adopting a Nordic diet for preventing common ailments as we age. My extensive knowledge in this field allows me to shed light on the intricate connections between dietary habits and overall well-being.
The research conducted by Hanna-Mari Tertsunen from the University of Eastern Finland delves into the long-term impact of a Nordic diet on health. Now, let me break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Nordic Diet: This dietary pattern emphasizes the consumption of berries, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, with a limited intake of sugary drinks and red meat. The Nordic diet stands out as a regional approach tailored to the specific needs and lifestyle of people in Northern European countries.
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Health Benefits: The study indicates that adhering to a healthy Nordic diet can significantly reduce the risks of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This is particularly relevant given the prevalence of these health issues on a global scale.
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Research Methodology: The research involved a follow-up study spanning approximately 20 years, examining the dietary habits and health conditions of middle-aged and elderly men in eastern Finland. The findings suggest a correlation between a strict adherence to the Nordic diet and a lower likelihood of cardiovascular disease-related mortality.
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Comparison with Mediterranean Diet: The research aimed to offer an alternative perspective to the commonly praised Mediterranean diet by focusing on dietary habits more relevant to Finland. This provides valuable insights into regional variations in dietary recommendations.
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Nutritional Recommendations in Nordic Countries: The article briefly touches upon general nutritional recommendations in Finland and other Nordic countries, emphasizing the consumption of berries, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish, while limiting sugary drinks and red meat.
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Finnish Food Authority Guidelines: The Finnish Food Authority has issued detailed dietary guidelines for people of all ages, reinforcing the importance of a balanced and Nordic-inspired diet.
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Quality of Life and Disease Prevention: Tertsunen highlights that, in conjunction with other healthy lifestyle choices, a Nordic diet can contribute to a better quality of life for individuals as they age. Even partial adherence to the diet guidelines can offer health benefits.
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Research Publication: The findings are documented in the research report titled "Adherence to a healthy Nordic diet and risk of type 2 diabetes among men: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study," published in the European Journal of Nutrition.
This comprehensive overview should give you a solid understanding of the key concepts and insights from the research on the Nordic diet and its impact on health. If you have any specific questions or if there's more you'd like to explore, feel free to ask!
