More Greens, More Birthdays: 3Countries With the Healthiest People

Posted by PRINCETON LONGEVITY CENTER on December 27th, 2019

No one knows when they'll kick the bucket exactly. But, there are ways that help people celebrate more birthdays. One of them is simple and obvious, but often taken for granted, a healthy lifestyle: regular sleep, enough hydration, constant exercise, and of course, a nutritious diet. It's a huge factor in life expectancy. Listed are countries around the world that top fitness ranks. 

Spain

Located in Europe's southwest corner is the country famous for Gothic cathedrals, Flamenco dance and music, and Pablo Picasso. But, there's more to learn about this tourist destination besides its rich artistic heritage. Based on recent statistical studies, the Spanish are the world's healthiest people.

The reason? Their daily diet resembles that of the Mediterranean style, which has ample fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats like olive oil. Three servings of nuts and omega-3-rich fish are eaten every week. This cuts the chances of acquiring chronic illnesses, like coronary heart disease.

People in Spain like to walk a lot, too. Only a tiny fraction sit on their couches for more than 8.5 hours a day, and many go to their office or house on foot rather than by car.

Italy

With all the grease and calories, pizza and pasta seem everything but nutritious. But, despite being the originators of these yummy guilty pleasures, the Italians have a high life expectancy rate and health score. In fact, they're next to the Spaniards in the world index. Only less than 10 percent are obese.

It's not their typical dishes per se that are unhealthy, but the way of cooking and serving them. People in Italy do it differently. They don't consume their pasta as an entire meal; it's meant to be a small first course. Pizza isn't also part of their daily intake. They typically eat it when they go out with friends on the weekend.

The Italians also value the quality of their ingredients. They make sure they only get fresh, local produce, and cook it in a manner that maximizes their taste and nutrients.

Iceland

Apart from its dreamy, natural landscapes, this Nordic island is popular for its fermented shark, traditional lamb soup with herbs, and other unusual delicacies, too. Some may sound weird, but Icelandic cuisine is actually nutritious. It's served fresh, and the meat and dairy products come from free-range livestock. The fish found in its rivers and ocean are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, most people from this country are in tip-top shape.

People with the right dietary habits don't only live longer but also steer clear of obesity, diabetes, and other preventable diseases. So, countries who score low on fitness are working toward educating the public on health promotion and providing them with the necessary physical exams. You can go to a preventive medicine center for these medical services.