Following National Geographic’s fellow Dan Buettner’s Netflix documentary, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones”, the focus on health is greater than ever.
The documentary is based Buettner’s best-selling book, which looks at specific regions where people live longer and healthier lives.
The Blue Zone concept has inspired many to adopt healthier eating habits and what makes them fascinating is that their inhabitants’ longevity isn’t primarily due to genetics but rather to lifestyle factors, particularly diet and social habits.
According to Flight Centre South Africa’s general manager, Antoinette Turner, global health rankings had become increasingly important for travellers seeking wellness-focused destinations for their next break even before this.
Turner highlighted that in a 2023 study published in CEOWorld magazine, which drew on data from reputable sources like the World Health Organization and the World Bank, it provided valuable insights into the “healthy” countries of today.
For foodies with an appetite for healthy travel, these are just five of the world’s healthiest countries:
Italy
From healthy dishes like minestrone, sardinian pecorino cheese and extra virgin olive oil, Italy’s Mediterranean diet sits at the top of many health lists.
Turner said that despite being known for pizza and pasta, the cuisine is fundamentally based on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats.
“Italy remains a top-selling European destination for South African travellers who are, no doubt in part, lured by its appealing holistic approach to wellness enjoying all good things in moderation, and an active lifestyle,” said Turner.
She added that walking was common and travellers could easily hit 10k steps a day sightseeing.
In addition, travellers can enjoy experiences, including a cooking class in Tuscany to learn the art of simple, nutritious Italian cooking or visit an olive oil estate for tastings and to learn about production methods.
Singapore
The travel expert stressed that Singapore’s diverse culinary landscape offered a unique blend of healthy eating traditions from various Asian cultures, all adapted to modern nutritional standards.
She said that popular healthy dishes include Hainanese chicken rice (lean protein with fragrant rice), fish head curry (rich in omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory spices) and Yong tau foo (a customisable soup with various vegetables and proteins).
For travellers looking for a taste of Singapore, Turner recommended exploring the diverse hawker centres for affordable, healthy local fare, taking a cooking class focusing on creating nutritious versions of Singaporean classics, or visiting urban farms to learn about Singapore’s innovative approaches to sustainable, healthy eating.
Japan
Japan’s cuisine is renowned for its health benefits and contribution to longevity and home to the Blue Zone of Okinawa.
Popular healthy foods include miso soup (probiotic-rich and full of essential minerals), sashimi (high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids) and matcha.
“Visit Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market for the freshest seafood, Take a soba noodle-making class in Kyoto or explore the unique Okinawan cuisine, known for its life-extending properties,” suggested Turner.
Iceland
The travel expert noted that while Iceland was not Blue Zone, the nordic region offered a unique perspective on healthy eating with its focus on pure, high-quality ingredients.
Healthy nordic dishes include skyr (high-protein, low-fat dairy product similar to yoghurt), Arctic char (a fatty fish, rich in omega-3s) and Icelandic lamb (grass-fed and free-range, offering high-quality protein).
Turner said travellers looking to immerse in the regions cuisine can visit a geothermal bakery to taste rye bread baked in hot springs, take a foraging tour to learn about edible Icelandic plants and berries or experience a traditional Icelandic farm-to-table meal.
Australia
Australia is the land of sunshine and superfoods and, its cuisine, quite similar to ours here in Mzansi’s, combines fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with a focus on outdoor living and active lifestyles.
“Australia is a key region for visiting family and friends travel. So next time you’re heading down under for a family trip, make it a healthy eating-focused trip too,” added Turner.
Popular healthy dishes include, trendy avocado toast, Barramundi (a local fish high in omega-3 fatty acids) and macadamia nuts.
For those planning to experience Australian food, Turner recommended joining a beachside breakfast culture tour in Sydney or Melbourne, visiting a macadamia farm to learn about this native superfood (Bundaberg is the macadamia capital of Australia) and participating in a bush tucker tour to discover indigenous superfoods.