A diet that can reduce the risk of premature death has been named

A Nordic diet rich in fish, vegetables, berries and whole grains may reduce the risk of premature death. This conclusion was reached by scientists at Aarhus University in Denmark. The study results were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN).

Researchers analyzed data from more than 64 thousand middle-aged and elderly Swedish residents. Using a statistical model, they estimated how following the Nordic diet for 24 years would affect life expectancy.

The basis of this diet is vegetables, fruits, berries, oats, rye and fatty fish. Instead of butter, rapeseed oil is more often used, and meat consumption is limited. The Scandinavian diet is similar in composition to the Mediterranean diet, but includes foods traditional to Northern Europe.

Calculations have shown that following the Nordic diet is associated with a 4 percent lower risk of death from all causes compared with standard healthy eating recommendations.

The researchers found the greatest estimated benefit in a group with slightly more women and people over 65 with hypertension or diabetes. Scientists attribute the possible effect to the high content of fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants.

However, no convincing benefits of the Scandinavian diet for the prevention of severe liver diseases were found.