10 Healthiest Places in the World to Visit

There are many ways to live your life. But what if you are trying to be the healthiest version of yourself that you can be? Depending on where you grew up, and the type of lifestyle you live, you might be luckier or worse off than other people around the world.

When you are looking to travel but want to stay healthy, or maybe learn from other cultures how to get lean, consider traveling to these healthy locations, which continuously receive praise for being super-healthy.

10 Panama

The Volcan Valley of Panama, also known as “Shangri-La Valley,” has residents who live a remarkable 10-20 years longer than their fellow countrymen and women. This longevity has been credited to the pleasant, spring-time temperatures and the lifestyle.

Not only do the inhabitants of this beautiful region love spending time outdoors, they are in constant motion with farming and hiking and spending time with family and friends. They even live in peace with nature.

Mainly, the people of Volcan Valley rely purely on the land. Most of their sustenance comes from seafood, farm-raised eggs and chicken, and their own local produce. 80% of the nation’s fruit and vegetables comes from this region (International Living, 2015). What is more, everything is pesticide free and organic – even the coffee and wine.

9 France

This wine and cheese loving country is blessed with long lives and truly healthy, happy individuals. Many nutritionists and researchers call the French diet a “paradox,” because it is high in rich creams, meat, and pastries. So why is it that the French aren’t like some of the world’s more unhealthy countries? Well, that will because of how they live.

Compared to other European countries, the French walk everywhere. A sedentary lifestyle is seldom heard of in France. Movement is savored over lazy hours in front of the TV, and every contributes with getting meals prepared and other household chores.

Food is savored but not overeaten. In other words, they enjoy these high-fat, high-protein delicacies in little bits at a time.

8 New Zealand

People in New Zealand have been blessed with a low-stress life and a beautiful country to call home. Part of the reason they live so long is due to this lush environment that gives them access to wonderfully nutritious, natural diets. The other part is due to healthcare not only being affordable but preventative.

Life of New Zealand is full of outdoor adventures too. The other noted reason for locals living long lives is their diet. Whole grains, fresh seafood, and organic produce (lettuce, avocados, kiwis, apples, and plums, for example) make up their simple yet nutritious menus. Also, don’t be surprised when a Kiwi tells you that they caught and gathered their own dinner.

7 Italy

This boot-shaped European country has remarkable differences in lifestyle throughout, but one thing remains certain amongst the population. Italians are healthy. Places like Sardinia, for example, have a large population of centenarians.

When Sardinians were studied and compared to other similar locations in Italy, these similarities were found:

• Close-knit community.
• Walk around 5 miles daily.
• Eat a Mediterranean diet (whole grains, beans, tomatoes, greens, garlic, fruit, olive oils and sheep-milk cheese with limited red meat consumption.)
• Drink red wine, which is high in antioxidants.

And what don’t Italians do? They do not overindulge. Eating is a social affair, as in drinking. Work does not consume their lives, so they have time to relax and spend some hours with family and friends.

6 Australia

The average life expectancy in Australia is a whopping 81.9 years of age, for both genders. A large part of the Australian lifestyle is centered on the fitness culture there. Almost everyone enjoys getting outdoors and playing sports or going on bushwalks.

Relaxing does not mean lounging on the couch. Rather, families go out to the natural parks for a picnic and swimming. Furthermore, many Australians bike and surf.

Secondly, Australia does not import a lot of foreign goods to keep the cost of groceries down. Since the country is more or less self-sustained, the diet is rich in what the land and surrounding ocean offers. That means that fresh fruit and vegetables make up a large part of the Australian diet.

Read also – 6 Handy Tips for Women Traveling in Sweden

5 Sweden

Another great diet to follow when trying to get fit is the Nordic one. Swedes swear by their morning Knackebrod (crispbread) and black currants. People who live in Sweden have very lows incidences of heart disease and high cholesterol because of diets that are high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants from fruits and yogurt (called Filmjolk).

Now, although the country continues to have a high amount of unemployment and periods of economic instability, people are actually less stressed out and less prone to disease. Because the general population has time to be with family and live their lives, the life expectancy has gone up.

4 Iceland

Time and time again, Iceland is featured as one of the world’s most healthiest countries. One can say it is because of the Nordic diet. But the truth is, there is more to it than just eating a lot of fermented shark meat. Icelanders rarely eat red meat.

Also, the population enjoys an environment free from pollution, and a large majority of Icelanders have some kind of outdoor hobby. Athleticism is part of the culture. The other thing that Iceland boasts is the hot springs. These natural sites allow for Icelanders to have social gatherings and receive hydrotherapy all at once.

3 Spain

This country conjures up images of Valencia oranges, nude beaches, olive oil, Flamenco, and the famous mid-day siesta. But can we really attribute these things to a healthy lifestyle that lasts? Yes, we can.

By now, it should be obvious that an active lifestyle full of fresh fruits, omega-3s, and a good amount of personal care are keys to fulfilling lives. However, Spaniards take it a step further.

These people know that sharing time (and food) with family and friends and getting plenty of sleep help bolster their lives. In other words, surround yourself with those you love and enjoy every day as if it was the last.

2 Singapore

Many of the healthiest countries around the planet also have governments that are actively engaged with keeping their citizens in good shape (the life expectancy is 84 years old). Singapore steps it up a notch.

Not only does the government ensure the environment stays clean, it encourages people to get educated, to volunteer, and to abide by the regulations it sets forth. Although some of the regions see malnutrition on the rise, the citizens of Singapore seek out physical activity and nutritious diets as well.

The takeaway from Singapore is that, when the government provides incentives to be healthy, people will generally do whatever they can to stay healthy.

1 Japan

Not number 1 in the world but number 1 on this list is Japan. Mainland Japanese and Okinawans have some of the longest life expectancies in the entire world. The reasons that both these populations share are diet and activity. The Japanese diet is:

• Rich in plant protein (tofu and soy), seafood, cruciferous vegetables, seaweed, and mushrooms.
• Copious amounts of green tea have been attributed to leaner bodies and less incidences of cancer and other disease.
• Oolong for metabolism.
• The Japanese do like their sweets, but they don’t eat a huge amount of them.
• Food is enjoyed in small amounts throughout the day.

As for activity levels, overall the Japanese are quite dynamic. People are constantly on the move from train stations to shopping, sports, and outdoor activities.

Read also – 11 Cat Islands in Japan Worth Visiting

What do the healthiest countries on Earth have in common? Diet and activity levels. While it helps if the government backs up its population with affordable healthcare and environmentally-friendly practices (see Singapore), when it comes down to it, a little rest and relaxation, topped with fruit and outdoor fun, might just be the recipe for eternal youth.