insideKENT Magazine Issue 42 - September 2015 | Page 79

HEALTH+WELLNESS DIET TIPS FROM AROUND THE WORLD Have you ever wondered how French women maintain their slim figures? Why, despite large bowls of pasta and late dinners, Italians are one of the healthiest nations? We asked a group of nutritionists to select the best foods and diet tips from around the world that can help us stay healthy – so if you are bored with the same sandwiches and are looking for a change, carry on reading! Japan Iceland When it comes to food, Icelanders keep things simple with fresh seafood and lean lamb. Most foods are grown and produced locally with hardly any pesticide use. Dairy products are often higher quality than the UK's, as Iceland's first Nordic settlers had a good knowledge of food preserving. "High-quality yogurts with beneficial bacteria are a must in an Icelander’s daily diet. Fresh fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep our heart and brain healthy. They can help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's, as well as heart disease and strokes," says Dr Marilyn Glenville. Sweden "This is one of the healthiest diets in the world. The fish is supplying important omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes. Both the cruciferous vegetables and fermented soya have been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer as they have a balancing effect on hormones. The Japanese also eat lot of seaweed (sea vegetables) that contains important trace minerals like selenium and iodine for healthy thyroid function. Sushi, the most popular dish in Japan, provides energy but it’s also low in fat and high in omega acids that keeps blood healthy. In general, many Japanese vegetables are unprocessed which means greater levels of vitamins and minerals," explains the UK’s leading nutritionist, Dr Marilyn Glenville (www.marilynglenville.com). Just like Icelanders, Swedes eat high-quality fermented d