10 countries with the healthiest cuisines in the world.

Vietnam

American food expert Largeman Roth once shared on Culture Trip that Vietnamese cuisine, despite using many spices to create visually appealing dishes, has a very light and delicate flavor. Vietnamese people often use fresh ingredients, combining various vegetables and herbs to prepare their dishes. Traditional Vietnamese herbs such as coriander, basil, and star anise are also natural remedies for preventing and treating various illnesses.

One of Vietnam's healthiest and most famous dishes mentioned by Culture Trip is pho. Vietnamese pho has a broth made from spices with antioxidant properties, making it both delicious and good for your health.

In 2019, CNN also listed Vietnamese cuisine among the top 10 best cuisines in the world. CNN wrote: "Vietnamese cuisine is prepared using traditional methods, relying less on strong spices and focusing instead on herbs that are good for the consumer and low in calories."

Thailand

Thai cuisine has anti-cancer properties, one of which is Tom Yam Gung soup. This soup, made with shrimp, lemongrass, ginger, coriander, and other herbs, has strong antioxidant effects and inhibits the growth of cancer-causing viruses in the human body. Ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass are also commonly used in many other Thai dishes to treat illnesses. Coconut milk and spicy seasonings further boost the immune system.

Japan

Not only is Japanese cuisine refined, but it is also voted one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Japanese people often portion their meals into small servings, eating them with green vegetables such as cabbage, scallions, and eggplant, and using fresh, seasonal ingredients in their cooking. They also frequently use condiments to enhance the flavor, such as soy sauce, pickled vegetables, and wasabi.

Japanese cuisine often uses seasonal ingredients and is typically steamed or quick-fried. The Japanese also only eat until they are about 80% full at each meal – a principle known as "Hara Hachi Bu," which is very good for health. After meals, they often drink green tea to replenish antioxidants. Additionally, Japanese dishes made with tofu and seaweed provide many nutrients and minerals while maintaining a light and refreshing taste.

India

According to expert research, Indian cuisine has the potential to prevent cancer, heal inflammation or internal heat, and prevent Alzheimer's disease. This is thanks to the distinctive traditional spices of the Indian people.

One of the best dishes is vegetarian curry, a staple in many regions across India. There's also lobhia, made with tomato sauce, beans, herbs, and spices. Visitors to India can also try the famous chicken curry with butter, made with yogurt, ginger, onions, garlic, and chilies.

Greece

Salads and yogurt are two of Greece's most prominent dishes, and it is precisely because of these two indispensable daily meals that Greece is ranked among the healthiest cuisines in the world. Traditional Greek dishes are mainly made from: beans, vegetables, fish, and grains. Greeks don't eat much meat, so the fat content in their meals isn't too high. These dishes are often rich in omega-3s, found in green beans, peppers, and sardines, which are good for the skin and overall health of Greeks.

Spain

Spaniards often use many plant-based ingredients in their cooking, such as onions, olive oil, saffron, garlic, lemon zest, cinnamon, and sheep's milk cheese. These foods are all healthy and beneficial: olive oil protects the cardiovascular system and lowers cholesterol, while the other spices provide vitamins C, E, D, and B1, enough to boost the body's immunity and fight off diseases.

Spaniards also prioritize using fresh ingredients such as Mediterranean seafood, cod, lamb, beef, and dairy products in their cooking, and limit fried dishes. Spaniards also have a unique diet that contributes to their good health, attractive physique, and lower incidence of cancer and Alzheimer's disease compared to other countries in the world.

KOREA

The average height of a South Korean is more than 5 cm taller than that of their neighbors. This is partly due to their nutrient-rich diet, which is somewhat superior to that of more developed Western countries, while eliminating the saturated fats that have caused obesity throughout Europe and North America.

The low-fat diet favored by Koreans mainly consists of dishes made from tofu, noodles, eggs, and fish, often served with kimchi. Grilled meats, especially beef, are a favorite dish in Korea, but the average per capita consumption is only 7.2 kg/year, compared to the American average of 30.3 kg/year.

CHAD

Chad (Africa) is one of the healthiest countries in terms of diet. Markets are the heart of the community, with much of the food being fresh, free from preservatives, saturated fat, and excess salt. A Chadian specialty is boule, a thick porridge made with grains such as corn, millet, and sorghum. Chad also produces a lot of okra, dried pimento, guava, mango, cassava, lamb, goat, and fish, all of which are nutrient-rich and can be considered to have some similarities to the Paleo diet.

ISRAEL

Falafel, a savory fried patty made from chickpeas and fava beans, is now available in food markets worldwide. Although falafel likely originated in Egypt, it has become popular throughout the Middle East and is a hallmark of Israeli cuisine. Key elements of Israeli cuisine differ from those of nearby Mediterranean countries – they utilize carefully seasoned beans, eggplant, and olive oil, which boost metabolism and aid digestion. Common ingredients in Israeli cuisine, such as tahini and mint, are rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, folic acid, zinc, and manganese. Pita bread is also highly nutritious and is often served with accompaniments such as fried eggplant, peppers, french fries, pickles, and caramelized onions.

SWEDEN

The Scandinavian diet is generally very healthy, with an obesity rate of 11% and an average life expectancy of 81 years. The Swedish diet, while low in fruits and vegetables, is rich in bread, berries, fish, and dairy, providing plenty of fiber and antioxidants that work together to aid in fat burning. Swedish food quality is also very high: meat and dairy products come from livestock raised in clean, sheltered environments, ensuring valuable nutrients for consumers.

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