The main ingredients of the Nordic diet are berries, vegetables, fish and whole grains. It has been recognized as an extremely healthy and sustainable diet that could help with cardiovascular health, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure and lipid metabolism. Nordic diet research rarely focuses on the benefits gleaned as a result of the weight loss associated with the diet.
This study examined the mechanisms at play behind the Nordic diet. Researchers from Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland examined blood and urine samples from 200 participants over 50 who had elevated body mass index (BMI) and increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The scientists divided them into two groups and monitored them for six months. One group remained on their habitual diet, and the other were provided with foods according to the Nordic dietary recommendations.
Interestingly, the researchers also asked the participants who began to lose weight to eat more, so their weight remained stable.
The results showed that the Nordic diet group became significantly healthier, with lower cholesterol levels, lower overall saturated and unsaturated fat levels, and they had better glucose regulation compared to control. The benefits were seen across the board, even though they did not lose weight. These fascinating, and unexpected, health changes may be explained by the unsaturated fatty acids in the Nordic diet, according to the researchers.