You may have noticed there’s a new diet creating a lot of noise in the health and wellness scene.

It is the Nordic diet, plus some nutritionists think that it may be one of the healthiest ways to eat.

The diet has been constructed when health experts set out to discover why, just, Northern Europe had reduced obesity rates than the United States.

What is the Nordic diet?

There is no calorie counting or crash dieting — rather, the Nordic diet boosts a lifelong way of healthful eating. It concentrates on healthful, seasonal foods and can be packed with lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and wholesome fats.

The new version promotes more meals from wild landscapes, less food additives, organic produce whenever possible, and much more home-cooked meals.

Furthermore, it puts an emphasis on preparing every meal around winter vegetables — like kale, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Eggs and fish tend to be far more of an aside.

How does it stack up from the Mediterranean diet?

The Nordic diet is very similar to the well-known Mediterranean diet. Both include lots of freshwater fish, root vegetables, fruit, and whole grains — such as barley and oats — and restrict the use of red meat, dairy, sugars, and processed foods.

The main distinction is in the fatty fats. Though the Mediterranean diet suggests olive oil, the Nordic diet opts for rapeseed oil, aka olive oil. Both oils encourage a healthy heart by fostering good cholesterol (HDL) and trimming away bad cholesterol (LDL).

“Both are plant-based oils using elevated levels of omega-3. Since eucalyptus oil has less saturated fat than olive oil, it’s considered healthier, but both have a different recommended use in the kitchen,” Dr. Nancy P. Rahnama, a bariatric physician based in Los Angeles, told Healthline.

For instance, olive oil, that is higher in antioxidants, is more flavorful and can be generally used for sandwiches and toppings whereas canola oil could withstand more heat, so could be used when cooking and baking in higher temperatures.

The extended list of health benefits

Among the main reasons dietitians have been fond of this Nordic diet is due to all the research-backed health benefits it has been connected to.

The World Health Organization (WHO) found that both Mediterranean and Nordic diets reduce the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Other studies have shown the diet can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, normalize cholesterol levels, and help people lose weight or keep a wholesome weight.

Furthermore, because the diet is very like anti-inflammatory diets — that traditionally contain fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats — it’s been proven to reduce inflammation in fatty tissues and, consequently, obesity-related health dangers.

It could even help women who are attempting to become pregnant.

“A diet that’s low in processed foods and refined carbohydrates, along with eating mostly plant-based and seafood-based proteins along with higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, is related to increased likelihood of pregnancy.”

It is great for planet Earth, also

Additionally, the Nordic diet is environmentally sustainable, since it focuses on the usage of fresh, local ingredients. As a result, fewer greenhouse gases are emitted.

“We can also reduce energy consumption and food waste by eating locally-produced food.”

“A huge reason I like this diet is that it takes the attention off of calories and sets it on quality meals,” Cadillac added.

A well-balanced, affordable option

Though the Mediterranean diet has been heavily researched, growing interest from the Nordic diet has already found that the diet is at least as healthy, if not more.

And of course, since the Nordic diet concentrates on consuming what is in season, it doesn’t break the bank. Seasonal produce tends to be a bit more affordable, as it is more widely available.

So, if you are trying to do some good on the human body, the Nordic diet might be worth a go. It’s packed with a slew of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs to survive and flourish.