A diet that saves from early death: scientists named the best oneScientists named the diet that sharply reduces the risk of early death

# Nordic Diet Reduces Risk of Death by 23%: Large-Scale Study Confirms Benefits of Scandinavian Diet **Danish scientists have made an important discovery: following updated Nordic dietary guidelines can significantly extend life. Analysis of data from more than 76,000 people showed impressive results — such a diet not only improves health but also helps the planet. The study was published in The Journal of Nutrition.** The updated guidelines were released in 2023. Their main feature is consideration of not only the nutritional value of foods but also their environmental impact. The concept is simple: less red meat and sugar, more whole grains, legumes, fish, and low-fat dairy products. The research team from Aarhus University was led by Associate Professor Christina Dam together with doctoral student Anne Bak Merch. The results proved remarkable: among middle-aged Swedes who strictly followed the diet, overall mortality was 23% lower than among those who took the guidelines less seriously. Notably, the effect persisted even after adjusting for education, income, and physical activity. Deaths from cancer and cardiovascular diseases were also less frequently recorded among diet adherents. The work was based on data from two large-scale cohort studies — the Swedish Mammography Cohort and the Cohort of Swedish Men. Starting in 1997, participants regularly reported on their diet and lifestyle, which made it possible to track the long-term consequences of eating habits. The authors are confident that the findings are applicable far beyond Sweden. Since the updated guidelines combine health concerns with environmental responsibility, the study proves that a sustainable diet can simultaneously reduce climate impact and decrease the risk of premature death. The scale of the problem is evident: approximately 30% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food production and consumption. The Nordic diet was originally created as a golden mean between human interests and the planet's wellbeing. However, the scientists acknowledge that the work is not yet complete. It remains to be determined how such an eating pattern affects obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases. These questions will be the subject of future research.