The Nordic & Atlantic Diets: Heart-Healthy Foods from Beyond the Mediterranean

Heart-Healthy European Diets: Nordic & Atlantic Foods You Should Try

Beyond the Mediterranean, discover heart-smart foods from Northern & Western Europe.

While the Mediterranean diet is famous for its heart benefits, two less-talked-about diets are rising in popularity: Nordic (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland) and Atlantic (Northwest Spain & Portugal) 

Let’s explore how these diets help Europeans live healthier and happier.

What Makes These Diets So Good?

✅ Emphasis on fresh, seasonal, locally sourced foods

✅ Natural intake of heart-healthy omega-3s, fiber, antioxidants 

Lower red meat, more plant-based meals, and fish!

Nordic Diet Staples: 

✅ Wild-caught fish: salmon, herring, cod, sardines

✅ Whole grains: rye, barley, oats (like rye crispbread)

✅ Root veg/fields: potatoes, carrots, cabbage

✅ Berries: lingonberries, bilberries

✅ Canola (rapeseed) oil

 Atlantic Diet Favorites:

✅ Seafood: cod, octopus, sardines, tuna

✅ Legumes: white beans, pulses

✅ Whole grains & potatoes

✅ Seasonal veggies: cabbage, turnips

✅ Nuts: chestnuts, walnuts, almonds

Benefits You’ll Get: 

✅ Strong heart from omega‑3 & whole grain nutrients

✅ Lower triglycerides & inflammation

✅ Healthier digestion and weight control

✅ Easy to follow—no strict rules, just fresh, seasonal food

How to Apply It in Your Kitchen:

✅ Weekly fish evenings (3–4× per week)

✅ Replace white grains with whole versions: oats, quinoa, brown rice

✅ Add berries daily to breakfast or smoothies

✅ Swap oils: olive or canola oil for butter

✅ Explore Nordic snacks: crispbread + herring

✅ Use legumes like white beans in salads or soups

Final Takeaway:

✅ The best heart-healthy eating isn’t exotic—it’s fresh, local, and seasonal.

✅ By combining elements from Mediterranean, Nordic, and Atlantic diets, you can eat smarter, live better, and nourish your heart naturally.