It is not a usual thing to write in the media about what country is the healthiest one. Diseases, viruses, and epidemics that can threaten the entire region are more often written about. An attempt to correct the omission has been made by the representatives of the American Foreign Policy journal when they reported about the three healthiest countries in the world. And their explanation of this choice is quite logical.
3. Iceland: Best Maternity Care
The lowest infant mortality rate across the world is observed in Iceland, and this is the country where pregnant women are provided with the best care. The given figures are quite clear. There have been only two cases of deaths of under-five children per thousand births. For comparison, this number is seven in the USA.
There is, however, a big problem with obesity in Iceland: every year, a huge amount of sugar is consumed per capita in the country, mainly due to overuse of carbonated beverages.
2. France: Low Heart Attack Rates
In this country, the level of heart diseases is relatively low, though it is a leading cause of death worldwide. The specialists explain this fact by the habit to eat food slowly and drink a glass of wine every day. Traditionally, the French diet is rich in carbohydrates and fats, but such a meal is usually eaten in small portions, with wine in moderation.
In 2002, the experts of the World Health Organization recognized France as the healthiest European Union country. It is known that many French people are dying from cancer and other serious diseases. Meanwhile, the average life expectancy in France is seventy-five years for men and eighty-three years for women.
However, obesity is considered a big problem in France, and the levels of mortality from cancer are high.
1. The Japanese Live Longer
The Japanese can live longer than members of all other nations – the average life expectancy of Japanese people is eighty-six years. The secret of health of the Japanese is in physical exercises and the foods low in cholesterol. A normal Japanese diet includes rice, fish, and seaweed, which can reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. In Japan, fitness gyms are very fashionable. Several generations of this nation have already lived a slim life, as it has been declared and promoted by the state program, which provides sports activities during the working hours and before work. This program is funded by the government.
The Japanese consider western food to be a serious health threat, since it traditionally contains much fat. Seven million Japanese people suffer from diabetes, which is spreading faster in Asia than in other parts of the world.
