Author: Stephen Johnson / Source: Big Think
- Bloomberg recently released its annual index of the world’s healthiest countries, which it compiles by grading countries on factors such as smoking rates, access to clean water, obesity, sanitation and more.
- Spain topped the list this year — thanks in part to the nation’s healthy Mediterranean diet, the report suggested.
- The U.S. ranked 35th, likely due in part to poor American eating habits.
Spain — with its Mediterranean diet and high life expectancy — is the world’s healthiest country, according to the Bloomberg 2019 Healthiest Country Index.
The last gauge, published in 2017, ranked Spain in sixth. Bloomberg’s annual index measures variables such as obesity, smoking rates, alcohol use, childhood malnutrition, sanitation and clean water. This year, five European nations scored spots on the top 10 list. Meanwhile, the U.S. ranked 35th.
What makes Spain the healthiest country? One likely factor is its universal healthcare system.
“Primary care is essentially provided by public providers, specialized family doctors and staff nurses, who provide preventive services to children, women and elderly patients, and acute and chronic care,” according to the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies 2018 review of Spain.
Another reason might be the aforementioned Mediterranean diet, which includes olive oil, vegetables, nuts and fruits; moderate amounts of fish, wine and dairy products; and low consumption of non-fish meat. Sticking to this heart-healthy diet is associated with a longer lifespan and fewer major cardiovascular events. But, to be sure, some say it’s not just about the ingredients.
Image source: Pixabay
“The Mediterranean diet is much more than a healthy gastronomic recommendation,” says Spain’s official tourism website. “It is a way of life that involves preparing food traditionally and enjoying it with friends and family, in a calm…
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