Fatty Fish
Salmon, herring, or mackerel are a must, according to specialists in the Scandinavian Diet. Fish is filled with omega-3 fats. It’s rich in protein and other nutrients and low in calories. People regularly get 15 times more omega-6 than omega-3, experts say.
Mixed Berries
Red and black currants, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and even Nordic lingonberries are better than regular fruit. They’re sweet, but without any refined sugar, so they’re a better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than a can of soda or a slice of cake. If you don’t have a way of getting Scandinavian lingonberries, choose the just as antioxidant-rich blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Whole Grains
Oats, rye, and also barley are some of the primary grains grown in cold climates. Including fiber-rich grains in your diet helps with digestion and is full of protein. Research has shown that rye can help fight cancer, prostate and colon cancer in particular. Rye bread is at the core of the Nordic diet. They eat slices of rye bread for lunch or breakfast every day.
Cabbage
This “super” veggie gets a category all its own. Whether white or red, the close relative of kale and Brussels sprouts grows well in cool climates and is crammed with iron and other vital vitamins and minerals. In fact, the University of Oslo discovered that cabbage contains some of the highest levels of antioxidants out of any vegetable and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K.
Root Vegetables
Low in calories but high in protein, root vegetables are at their seasonal best during fall or winter. Carrots, beets, parsnips, parsley roots, and all that grow in the soil are rooted in the Scandinavian diet. Although, veggies like nettles, ramps, garlic, Swiss chard, asparagus, peas, spinach, and leeks are just as common in Nordic meals.
…If you found this helpful, check out: 9 Surprising Diets That Lower Your Risk of Cancer
