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The Viking diet What it is and what its health benefits are

Homepage Articles The Viking diet What it is and what its health benefits are

The Viking diet What it is and what its health benefits are

Although they are often portrayed as raw meat eaters and corn drinkers, their diet was more complex and extremely interesting. In 2004, based on their dietary habits, the so-called New Nordic Diet (NND) was developed, with the main goals of treating a variety of diseases and protecting the environment.

Table of Contents

1. The basics of the Viking diet

For example, in summer you can focus on eating fresh strawberries, raspberries and tomatoes, and in winter you can reach for root vegetables and cabbage. Consuming local produce brings many benefits, including reducing carbon dioxide emissions from food transport and supporting local farmers and producers. Meals adapted to local ingredients and customs can be more satisfactory and tasty. It involves the consumption of the fruits, vegetables, fish and meat that are available in a given season. NND also focuses on the local environment, which means that people should rely on products that come from or grow in the region.

2. A wealth of fruits and vegetables

Dark-colored vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, cabbage, celery, carrots, and beans are particularly important. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, protect the body from oxidative stress, and contribute to cell health. Vegetables should appear on the plate in various combinations, allowing for the supply of essential nutrients and fiber. They are rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C, K, folate, and beta-carotene. Equally important in the Viking diet is eating a large amount of vegetables and fruits at every meal.

3. Meat and stuff

The Nordic diet allows for the consumption of various types of meat (including poultry, pork, wild game and beef) in moderate quantities, but it is important that it comes from free-range farms because it is tastier and contains more nutritional value.

4. Nuts, seeds and whole grain cereals

Consuming adequate amounts of fiber can help prevent constipation and maintain a healthy gut microbial flora. Whole-grain cereal products are also a rich source of B vitamins such as niacin, thiamine and riboflavin. First of all, these products are an excellent source of fiber, which plays a key role in the digestive process. In addition, nuts and seeds provide many valuable vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, and iron.

5. Restriction of high-processed foodstuffs

Mithril et al. 2012) Processed foods often contain many artificial additives, preservatives, dyes and chemicals, and are at the same time low in nutrients, so their consumption is unhealthy (C. Restricting the consumption of processed products rich in sugar and salt is another key requirement of the Viking diet.

6. The health benefits

Following the new Nordic diet brings many benefits for the whole body.

7. The cardiovascular system

Watanabe, I. Because of its high content of high-quality fatty acids, it helps lower LDL cholesterol (the so-called bad cholesterol) levels, thus protecting against the development of cardiovascular disease.

8. It's the brain

Ajith 2018) They help maintain mindfulness and may reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (T.A. Omega-3 fatty acids found in the Nordic diet are also beneficial for brain health.

9. The wealth of antioxidants

Seraphim, I. This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables that provide high amounts of antioxidants. Peluso 2016). Antioxidants help fight free radicals, prevent the aging of cells and the development of many diseases, including cancers (M.

10. The digestive system

Consuming a large amount of vegetables and whole grains allows you to provide a lot of fiber that supports digestion and prevents constipation (S.K. Gill 2021).

11. Weight control

The Viking diet, due to the presence of fiber and healthy fats and proper balance, can help in the process of losing weight or maintaining a proper body weight. It provides a feeling of fullness, which reduces the likelihood of eating.

12. Translation in English:

NND is based on healthy fats, proteins, and nutrients that can help improve mental health and overall well-being. In turn, adequate protein content allows for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for maintaining good health. A high-fiber Nordic diet can help maintain the proper microbial composition of its body, which is important for both mental and emotional development (T.L.K. and Bear, for example).

13. Promoting longevity

Residents of regions where the Nordic diet is traditionally followed live longer and have a lower incidence of chronic diseases (T.S.H. Jørgensen et al., 2019).

14. Who shouldn't use it

People whose diets include low carbohydrates (for health reasons or to reduce weight) may have difficulty adjusting to this diet. This can adapt the diet to their individual needs and avoid certain potential health risks. There are groups for which it may be inappropriate or even dangerous. Fish and seafood tend to cause allergic reactions to dietary products quite often, so caution may be exercised.

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Source

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Bear T.L.K. et al., The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Dietary Interventions for Depression and Anxiety, „Advances in Nutrition” 2020, 11(4), 890–907.
Brand-Miller J., Buyken A.E., The Relationship between Glycemic Index and Health, „Nutrients” 2020, 12(2), 536.
Gill S.K. et al., Dietary fibre in gastrointestinal health and disease, „Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology” 2021, 18(2), 101–116.
Jørgensen T.S.H. et al., Ageing populations in the Nordic countries: Mortality and longevity from 1990 to 2014, „Scandinavian Journal of Public Health” 2019, 47(6), 611–617.
Mithril C. et al., Guidelines for the New Nordic Diet, „Public Health Nutrition” 2012, 15(10), 1941–1947.
Serafini M., Peluso I., Functional Foods for Health: The Interrelated Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, Spices and Cocoa in Humans, „Current Pharmaceutical Design” 2016, 22(44), 6701–6715.
Watanabe Y., Tatsuno I., Prevention of Cardiovascular Events with Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Mechanism Involved, „Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis” 2020, 27(3), 183–198.