Health Secrets From Around The World

3 years ago

1. Italy - Red Wine ....yes, it's good for you in moderation

Image source GourmetalyStudies have shown that Italians who tend to drink a small amount of wine with their meals, tend to live longer than in some other countries Red wine may have benefits for heart health as well as go towards helping prevent diabetes and obesity. Wines from Sardinia are said to be especially healthy.

2. Finland - Saunas ....relaxing and healthy

Image source Metro UKEnjoying some dry heat in the traditional cubicles isn't just relaxing. It can improve health, as frequent visits to the saunas can help to cut the risk of a heart attacks in middle aged men by up to 63%, according research carried out by the University of Eastern Finland. The reasons why aren't clear cut though.

3. Spain - Siesta ....laid back lifestyle

Image source Pamploma FiestaThe traditional snooze after lunch helps reduce anxiety and boosts the brain, so says the report from the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians. Another study showed that adults who nap for half an hour, at least 3 times a week, are at 37% lower risk of dying from heart disease.

4. France - Portion Control ....to stay slimmer

Image source SF GateDespite a diet which consists of creamy sauces, cheese and red meat, just 11% of French adults are obese, compared with much higher rates in Britain and the States. Their secret to staying slimmer is down to portion control. This was reported in a study, showing that the average French meal contained fewer calories, despite being high in fat.

5. Denmark - Happiness .... it's the best tonic

Image source Independent.ieDenmark came top in the annual 'World Happiness Report'. Danish commentators reported that it was because many of the inhabitants didn't worry and were happy with 'what they've got.' We know worrying can be bad for your body as a build-up of stress hormones contributes towards the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

6. Sweden - Eating Fish And Berries ....for low cholesterol

Image source BBC Good FoodFollowing a Nordic diet, which typically includes plenty of fish, berries and breads made from wholegrains, can lower levels of harmful cholesterol and, in turn, the odds of developing diabetes. This was concluded by research at Sweden's Lund University.

7. Netherlands - Cycling ....keeps the weight down

Image source Daily ExpressThe Dutch make around a quarter of all trips by bicycle, compared with just 2% in the UK. Cycling can lower the odds of being overweight, mixed with a healthy diet. According to the British Heart Foundation, cycling 20 miles a week might reduce your risk of developing heart disease by up to half.

8. China - Green Tea ....they've been drinking it for ever

Image source CNNThe Chinese have been drinking green tea over 4000 years so it must be doing them some good! Modern scientists have found evidence that it may reduce the risk of some cancers, lower blood pressure and slash the risk of cardiovascular disease. It's also good for keeping your bowels regular.

9. Scotland - Porridge ....getting their oats!

Image source Quora

Getting your oats really could be good for you - we are talking porridge, here! A Harvard study found that people who regularly ate wholegrains, such as those in bowl of porridge, had a 5% lower risk of dying from heart disease, thanks to its cholesterol lowering properties.

10. Thailand - Massage ....great for circulation

Image source Globe HealthWe all know that massages are relaxing but a report published by the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation showed that massage relieves muscle soreness and improves blood flow in people after they exercised. It also improved circulation in those who hadn't.

11. Mexico - Chillies ....boosts metabolism

Image source InsiderHot chillies are thought to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, help prevent diabetes and may help prevent some cancers. They are even thought to boost metabolism which is great news for weight loss. Apparently, the hotter the chilli, the more good it does your health!

12. Greece- Olive Oil .... Mediterranean diet

Image source AzamaNumerous studies have suggested that a so called Mediterranean diet could help lengthen your life. One of the key elements is lots of olive oil which is thought to help protect the heart from disease. Olives, both black and green, consumed as snacks, are also recommended.

13. Japan - Eating Soya ....soya and more soya!

Image source BBCJapan has one of the lowest rates of breast cancer in the world and because of the huge amount of soya consumption in the country, this is thought to be the key. High levels of oestrogen can damage breast tissue but as soya has oestrogen-blocking effects, this may be the reason why.

14. Africa - High Fibre Diet ....keeps you regular

Image source Business TodayWestern diets tend to be high in protein and fat but low in fibre compared to African diets. This is thanks to the fibre in sweet potatoes, pulses and beans. Research at the University of Pittsburgh suggests this may be the reason that Africans have lower rates of colon cancer.

15. India- Meditation ....for mental wellbeing

Image source Inner SpaceMeditation is a great way of relaxing and bringing down stress levels. In India, meditating is as popular as the British going for a walk. They say it helps them with their cellular health and believe it reduces blood pressure and depression. 'The relaxation response [from meditation] helps decrease metabolism, lowers blood pressure, and improves heart rate, breathing and brain waves,' says researcher Herbert Benson.

16. China - Acupuncture .... for thousands of years

Image source Addlestone TherapyAcupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in China and is now very popular in many countries. Research showed that regular sessions can improve heart health, help lower blood pressure and speed up the production of neuro-transmitters, associated with relaxation and improving quality of sleep.

17. Switzerland - Muesli ....home made, of course!

Image source Mercury NewsMuesli was invented by a Swiss doctor over a hundred years ago for patients in his hospital and many of its population enjoy it or breakfast or even a light meal. The combination of rolled oats, grains, dried fruit and seeds make it fibre-rich, great for your insides, as well as being so easy to make. It's now eaten all over the Globe as a cereal.

18. Egypt - Cupping Therapy ....good for blood flow

Image source Healthline

Cupping is a form of alternative medicine that dates back to ancient Egyptian culture. It is the process of creating suction to mobilize blood flow and promote healing. The British Cupping Society argues that it can treat skin problems, blood disorders such as anaemia and high blood pressure. The American Cancer Society suggests that thee findings are mainly anecdotal rather than from studies.

19. Argentina - Mate Tea ....all natural

Image source Medical News Today

Mate tea is made by steeping the stems and ground leaves of the South American yerba mate plant. It has been officially declared the 'national infusion' of Argentina. It's rich in antioxidants and this caffeinated tea has been linked to increasing metabolism, aid digestion and help support cardiovascular health.

20. Poland - Little Eating Out ....no hidden ingredients

Image source Lacademe

People in Poland are known to spend only 5% of their food budget on eating out. This is so they know exactly what is going into their food, how much salt and fat is in there etc. Their balanced diet helps their gut health and prepares them for the very cold winters.

21. Japan - Power Naps ....half an hour

Image source BBCThe last time you took a little nap during a weekday was probably at nursery. In Japan, power naps at work are actively encouraged, as part of a healthy lifestyle and to aid better work performance. Employees take a 30 minute nap any time between 1pm and 4pm and it doesn't affect their night time slumber.

22. Pakistan - Papaya ....wonder fruit!

Image source BBCIn Western countries, papaya is eaten ripe and with good reason. The flesh is rich in beta-carotene which may help improve eye health and immunity, skin disorders and protects the body against infection. The vitamin C it contains is essential for growth and repair of the tissues in the body. In Pakistan, the health properties of papaya go further as the juice of a young papaya leaf is traditionally used to treat dengue fever.

23. Turkey - Keftir .....it's the good bacteria

Image source The Food HogWhile most yoghurts contain just a handful of gut-supporting bacteria and yeast, this traditional Turkish yoghurt-based drink has between 10 and 20. This makes it a probiotics powerhouse! Probiotics are essential to any healthy diet because they help control the growth of harmful bacteria, boosting the immune system in the process.

24. Middle Eastern Countries - they're nuts!

Image source PinterestMiddle Eastern countries eat nuts every day. As they grow there, they are cheap and nutritious. A diet rich in almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, cashews and peanuts might even help you out-live non nut eaters. Sardinia is the place most abundant for growing almonds and Nicoya for pistachios.

25. Romania - Home Made Face Masks ....look younger for longer

Image source eMediHealthMost of the women from this generation learned about this country’s beauty traditions from their grandmothers. Women in Romania use cornmeal as a peeling or exfoliating scrub, when applied to damp skin and they work it in circular motions. They mix it with honey, olive oil and lemon juice, all natural products in themselves.

26. Germany - Buttermilk ....to bathe in!

Image source QuoraButtermilk tastes great as a batter chicken or in cake recipes. Natives of Germany have been known to go one step further and feed their skin with it, as well as their stomachs! Adding two litres of buttermilk to their baths will soften and nourish their skin and they swear by it!

27. Japan - Spirituality .... for lifting depression

Image source IntrovertJapanOkinawans are very spiritual people and they’re also practical people when it comes to religion and spirituality. Each year they visit their ancestors, have a picnic and talk about the deceased as if they are still alive. It's all about the spiritual energy and allows them to deal with grief in a different way to many other countries.

28. Ireland - Irish Moss - to remove dark lines

Image source Centralsun.comThis salty seaweed is a type of brown algae grown in Ireland. It is jam packed with vitamin K, important for healthy skin. They soak the dried form in water to rehydrate it and cut the salt. They swear it removes dark lines and keeps them looking radiant. It's even mixed in a smoothie for extra goodness.

29. Panama - Drinking Cocoa ....every day

Image source Hazel LeeNative chocolate from the Caribbean, especially in Panama, has always been a health drink, for the locals to achieve a healthier lifestyle and an anti-aging glow. A study suggested that at least five cups of pure cocoa every day, minus preservatives and sugar, could help hypertension and diabetes developing.

30. Mexico - Cactus ....for food and beauty

Image source Cultural Travel

Mexican cacti can often be seen on the grill at fiestas and community gatherings. Mexican women have more uses, apart from eating it, for their succulent flesh and nutrient-rich juices. They are applied to the face because of their numerous vitamins, phytochemicals and polysaccharides to help the skin retain hydration.