A traditional Nordic diet rich in fish, vegetables, berries and whole grains may offer significant benefits for heart health and help reverse the damaging effects of type 2 diabetes, according to new research.
Swedish scientists tracked the health of more than 100 people in a study published in the journal Nature Communications. They found that following a Nordic diet helped reduce the amount of fat in participants' livers, with over half of those with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) going into remission. Some patients also reported a reversal of pre-diabetes.
The diet differs from its Mediterranean counterpart in its emphasis on lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. While the Mediterranean diet relies heavily on olive oil, the Nordic approach promotes the use of canola and rapeseed oil, both rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Helen Perks, a registered nutritional therapist, said the Nordic diet stands out for its focus on sustainable proteins and locally grown produce. “It’s naturally high in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and key micronutrients that support cardiovascular health, metabolic balance, gut function, and cognitive wellbeing,” she told The Independent.
Previous research from the University of Copenhagen also found that people eating traditional Danish foods such as berries, nuts, grains and fish lost three times as much weight as those on a more processed Westernised Danish diet.
