It is not shocking to hear that the U.S is not one of the healthiest counties in the world. If you look at breakfast alone, a common American breakfast consists of sugar-condensed cereals, artery-clogging(yet delicious) meats, and rich pancakes. After many years and efforts of growing awareness, the U.S is finally starting to take the nutritious health of the nation more seriously. There is no better place to start than breakfast. Let's take a look at what the “most important meal of the day” looks like in 9 of healthiest countries in the world.
Italy took the title of healthiest country in the world in 2017, according to the Bloomberg Health Index . This is probably shocking to some due to the fact that Italy is known for their embrace of carbohydrates and gelato. Italy's rise to the top is due to their Mediterranean Diet. A Mediterranean diet includes grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, wine, and olive oil. The mediterranean diet also stays away typically from red meat. The healthiest country's breakfast usually includes an espresso or cappuccino and a pastry.
A typical Icelandic breakfast consists of Skyr. Skyr is most similar to Greek Yogurt, according to Business Insider. They usually pair it with oats, nuts, and fruit. Other options for an Icelandic breakfast include crepes and toast and jelly.
Europe does love their pastries. Besides a granola dish called Birchermüesli, a Swiss breakfast usually includes pastries, eggs, potato cakes, and bread with butter.
An Asian breakfast is vastly different than an American's. Asia fully embraces the more savory side to breakfast. Breakfast in Singapore consists of noodles with a light broth.
A more traditional Australian breakfast is identical to a typical English breakfast. This includes toast, jelly, sausage, and eggs, but times have changed in Australia. They take their coffee very seriously, and indulge in Vegemite, a breakfast spread, and avocado toast.
Spain makes breakfast simple, but definitely not plain. It involves coffee, bread, tea, and traditional dishes like Pan Con Tomate, garlic bread with tomatoes, and Porras, a doughnut-like pastry.
A traditional breakfast in Japan consists of rice porridge, soup, fish, and eggs. The younger generation has started to embrace more western breakfasts.
Sweden loves eggs. It is one of the staples to breakfast there. Other breakfast staples include a fermented yogurt, sandwiches, and coffee.
A typical breakfast in Israel contains traditional dishes like Shakshuka(a popular egg and tomato dish), Hummus with pita bread, Tehina(a sesame seed based dip), and Israeli or Cheese Salad.