GQ MIDDLE EAST – How to Eat Like a Scandinavian

We all know about the Mediterranean diet, but how many of us are familiar with the Scandinavian diet? Prof. Dr Giovanni Leonetti, gastroenterologist at Cornerstone Clinic, explains the difference between the well-known Mediterranean diet and the Scandinavian diet and how the latter can support gut health.

To read the full article, visit GQ MIDDLE EAST, article written by Thanaaz Hisham

The Nordic diet is a way of eating based on seasonal, local, and minimally processed foods. It grew out of necessity in countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, where long winters and limited agriculture shaped what people could eat. It’s widely framed as an anti-inflammatory diet, tied to improved heart health and, thanks to research often grouped under the Nordic diet longevity study, potentially linked to living longer.

Protein sources tend to be lean and high quality, with a strong focus on fish such as salmon and mackerel, alongside legumes and smaller amounts of meat. A defining feature is the use of canola oil as the primary fat source, rather than olive oil. The omega-3 role is particularly important. Regular consumption of fatty fish provides essential fats that support heart health, brain function and long-term wellbeing. A diet high in fibre, omega-3s, and minimally processed foods, which supports weight management and gut health.

The Mediterranean diet centres on olive oil, fresh vegetables, legumes and herbs, often tied to a more social, slower style of eating. The Nordic diet reflects a colder climate: more root vegetables, cabbage, preserved foods, and fatty fish, with canola oil as the primary fat.

As Dr Leonetti breaks it down:

• Olive oil is rich in polyphenols – antioxidants linked to its anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits.
• Canola oil, meanwhile, offers a more balanced fatty acid profile, including plant-based omega-3s, and works as a more neutral, versatile cooking oil.

Dr Leonetti notes that many Middle Eastern dishes already reflect the same focus on whole foods and balanced nutrition. The adjustment lies in increasing omega-3 intake, choosing whole grains more consistently, and reducing processed foods. Even small changes – adding more fatty fish, shifting towards whole grains, or occasionally using canola oil – can bring the diet closer to a Nordic model without losing cultural identity.