National Nutrition Week- Celebrate a World of Flavours

We are what we eat. What we ingest into our body reflects on the outside. With lifestyle diseases on the rise, the main causes are poor nutrition, unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles. To  increase awareness about the importance of nutrition, The  National Nutrition Week- an annual week-long celebration  is organised by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Government of India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development to inform people about the importance of nutrition and diet in one’s life.

 Every year, the government provides a unique theme , and the Theme for National Nutrition Week in 2022  is ‘Celebrate a World of Flavours’. Through  this article, we will travel across the globe  and dive  into the cuisines of the world’s most  healthiest countries (According to The Bloomberg Global Health Index )

1. Spain

Spain is one amongst the countries that boasts a diet along the same lines as the Mediterranean Diet, known to be among the healthiest diets in the world.  Their cuisine largely  focuses on healthy fats, protein and  vitamins that are heart-healthy, making Spain one among the lowest-risk countries for heart condition.   Nearly all of their meals include a decent portion size of vegetables, desserts  inspired from fresh fruits, and their lip smacking salads are second to none. Their cooking includes  healthy ingredients like olive oil, a variety of fish (which have omega-3 fatty acids), almonds (which contain polyphenols), and blood oranges (which are strong in antioxidants and come from Spain and Sicily)

Traditional dishes : Gazpacho Andaluz, Paella Valenciana

2. Italy

Despite the mass produced and extremely processed pastas and pizzas being considered unhealthy, the true traditional Italian cuisine at its heart is a healthy formulation of love and fresh produce. It also finds its roots in Mediterranean cuisine and is deliciously healthy. In Italian cuisine, people cook using olive oil-known to be high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Not to forget the aromatic and delicious sauces that they usually make at home with fresh vegetables,  herbs and spices,  and include different types of proteins, vegetables and fats to make a wholesome meal are the reasons why their strong diet keeps them healthy.

Traditional dishes: Risotto, Polenta

3. Iceland

The scenic beauty of Iceland mesmerises every traveller who visits this magical country, but  its cuisine, though not as popular as its counterparts, is a treasure trove filled with healthy delicacies.

The Icelandic diet is among the healthiest in the world, majorly due to the ingredients in their food being  exceptionally healthy, mostly organic, and free-range. People in Iceland predominantly consume a lot of responsibly sourced free range lamb, fresh and dried fish, both from the sea and from wild fish captured in the rivers. Salmon and trout abound in the rivers of Iceland. These fresh and healthy produce adds up to to their healthy lifestyle. Top dishes to try: Plokkfiskur – Fish Stew, Hangikjöt- smoked lamb

4. Japan

Washoku, or traditional Japanese cuisine, is distinguished by its visual appeal, sense of harmony, and the seasonality and freshness of its ingredients. Different foods are eaten depending on the season. In addition, the Japanese eat a wide range of land and sea veggies, including seaweed, which is rich in nutrients that are extremely good for health. The traditional Japanese diet consists primarily of fresh, unprocessed foods, with very little sugar and refined components, thus making the Japanese cuisine one among the most healthiest.

Traditional dishes: Onigiri-Rice balls, Sushi

5. Switzerland

Even just the word Switzerland,takes our minds immediately to the country’s mesmerising  skiing resorts, lakes, rich and indulgent chocolates, and mouth watering cheese. However, Swiss cuisine is also worth mentioning , because Switzerland’s cuisine is also the reason behind the healthy lives of the Swiss.

The Swiss people include a lot of dairy products in their diet, including yoghurt, which is known to contribute towards good gut health. We all know the popular breakfast option muesli, unless not highly processed, is a healthy wholesome meal popular and was invented  in switzerland.

Traditional/popular dishes: Birchermüesli-muesli, Raclette.

One need not compromise on flavours to make the right food choices. Though diet plays a huge role in one’s lifestyle, one must approach healthy living from a multidimensional perspective. A balanced diet, proper exercise, relaxation period as well as leisure time is a must to maintain a healthy body and mind. To continue our journey of celebrating the different flavours of the world, in the next blog post, we would explore all the delicious and healthy dishes and flavours  of the Middle East.