A key factor of in determining a nation’s prosperity is the diet of its population. Oxfam, an international confederation of organizations that aims to rid the world of poverty, studied data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) to find the nations which have the most nutritious, plentiful and affordable diets.
The result was the formulation of a “Good Enough to Eat Index” which features 125 countries that are ranked according the quality, affordability and health outcomes of the food (diabetes and obesity).
We’ve decided to take a look at the top five countries on this list and dissect their diet and its impact on the population.
Sweden
Home to the world’s largest palace, shopping mall and perhaps the largest ego in soccer – Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it’s probably no surprise that they take their dietary plan seriously. Only 18.6% of the population is obese and just 8.8% suffer from diabetes. Diet diversification is high with only 28% of composed of carb-heavy foods.
Popular Foods: Shrimp, Smoked Salmon, Cakes and Cinnamon Buns.
Denmark
There is a strong correlation between healthy eating and a nation’s prosperity, Denmark fits this bill perfectly. The country boasts an employment rate of 75%, the highest among European nations. Only 28% of the average diet is composed of carb-heavy meals and 100% of population has access to clean water. A mediocre 18.2% suffer from obesity while 8.9% are diabetics.
Popular Foods: Oyster, Danish Liquorice, Organic Vegetables and Danish Wine.
Switzerland
Switzerland is possibly the most flexible country on the list and its linguistics capabilities go a long way in proving so with four languages predominantly spoken – Swiss German, French, Italian and a dash of Romansh. Food prices are very stable and just 24% of the average diet is composed of carb-heavy foods. A low 17.5% of the population is obese with 100% of the nation having access to clean water.
Popular Foods: Cheese fondue, potato dishes, mixed fruits, vegetables & cereals and Zopf (Swiss bread).
France
The French have the highest life expectancy in the European Union and judging by their ranking which is just shy of number one that really shouldn’t come as a surprise. A minute 6.8% of the nation suffers from diabetes and just 18.2% are victims of obesity. 29% of the national diet contains carb-heavy foods such as cereals, grains, and tubers (despite the national obsession with baguettes).
Popular Foods: Onion and beef stock soup, Cheese, Chocolate Souffle, cheese and vegetable pies and wine.
Netherlands
If you’ve glance the Soccer World Cup that was hosted by Brazil in 2014 you may have stumbled across this name a few times. This nation sent “shockwaves” across the soccer world by demolishing former champions Spain . The Dutch will be the first to tell you that they are much more than that and aside from ranking number one the list they are also home to the tallest people in the world with the average male standing at 6ft 1” and the average female at 5ft 7”, coincidence? Probably not, only 6.3% of the nation suffers from diabetes with the country also having the lowest carbohydrate diet in the world, 6.3%. 100% of the people have access to clean water and although food price volatility is on the higher end of the spectrum, it remains relatively affordable.
Popular foods: Dutch pancakes (bacon, apple, cheese, raisins and chocolate), thick dried split peas soup, apple tart and stir fried noodles with garlic, onion, vegetables and meat.
We can conclude from the list that nations which prioritize foods, that are low in carbohydrates, are rewarded with a healthier society. It’s always easier said than done when it comes to adopting dishes that are foreign to our taste buds. We don’t have to adopt everything to the “T” , but we can construct our own diet to emulate these nations. In the grand scheme of things it will lead to a healthier lifestyle.
