Nordic diet lowers cholesterol and blood sugar: Study

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Berries, veggies, fish, whole grains, dairy products and rapeseed oil are the main ingredients of the Nordic diet

A healthy Nordic diet can prevent a range of diseases. Until now, the health benefits attributed to a Nordic diet by researchers primarily focussed on weight loss. But in a new study, University of Copenhagen researchers and their Nordic colleagues found clear evidence that a Nordic diet can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels even without weight loss. In particular, they point to the composition of dietary fats as a possible explanation for the diet’s positive effects.

 

Berries, veggies, fish, whole grains, dairy products and rapeseed oil are the main ingredients of the Nordic diet concept that, for the past decade, have been recognised as extremely healthy, tasty and sustainable. The diet can prevent obesity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

 

Together with other researchers from Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland, Dragsted examined blood and urine samples from 200 people over the age of 50, all with elevated BMI and increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The participants were divided into two groups – one provided foods according to Nordic dietary recommendations and a control group on their habitual diet. After six months of monitoring, the result was clear.

 

Fats in the Nordic diet come from fish, flaxseeds, sunflower and rapeseed, among other things. As a whole, they constitute a very beneficial mix for the body, although the researchers have yet to accurately explain why these fats seem to lower both blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

 

 

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