15 Health Secrets From Around The World

Living a healthy lifestyle in a modern world is becoming increasingly difficult. We are exposed to endless indulgences and comforts that are causing a steep decline in overall health and happiness. Luckily, for those of you who want to live a healthy lifestyle, modern society offers a ton of benefits.

A healthy lifestyle requires balancing food, drinks, and activities. Overeating, drinking too much alcohol, and sitting at a computer all day are examples of choices that make us unhealthy. Eating healthy can often be more expensive (check out this article on how to eat healthy on a budget).

For thousands of years, people didn’t have access to modern technology or medicine. They relied on natural remedies to maintain their health. This led to the development of many interesting eating habits, drinks, and lifestyle choices to help people survive. Today these practices still exist but for some reason, they aren’t so well known.

Obesity is a major issue in the United States, but some simple changes could help fight this. We have scoured the globe looking for tips and tricks that help people improve their lives through better health & wellness. In this article, we will break down 15 health secrets from around the world for you that can easily be adapted into daily life.

15 Health Secrets from around the world

1. Japan – Eating with Chopsticks

Chopsticks have been used across Asia for more than 3,000 years and are widely used today. In western society, we often use chopsticks when we order Chinese food or Sushi. But using chopsticks for every meal could help you live a healthier life.

Using chopsticks slows down the rate at which we eat. Eating slower means we give our bodies more time to digest and feel full. If you are looking to lose weight try this secret habit from Japan to help you limit your food intake.

2. Germany – Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a health secret that originated in Germany. Sauerkraut is made from fermented cabbage. It might not smell great but it’s very rich in nutrients and can supercharge your gut. A healthy gut allows your body to absorb more nutrients and minerals from your food. This will help you digest better, feel less bloated, and potentially lose weight.

3. Italy – Red Wine

Most people wouldn’t expect an alcoholic beverage to crack a list of health secrets from around the world. In Italy, people are fairly healthy and a glass of red wine is a constant part of mealtime in the evening. Red Wine is full of antioxidants that potentially help avoid coronary artery disease, which often leads to heart attacks. Don’t overdo it on the red wine but certainly entertain a glass with dinner. If you have a long flight to Italy coming up be sure to bring some of the best healthy snacks for plane travel.

4. Peru – Quinoa

Quinoa has gained popularity in the last 10 years and is widely considered a top superfood. This grain has been consumed for over 5,000 years and originated in Peru. Quinoa is good for you because it is high in fiber and very nutritious, it’s packed with iron, magnesium, and zinc to name a few. Quinoa is also high in protein and low in fat which makes it a great substitute for rice.

5. Greece – Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is popular in Greece and consists of foods that are plentiful in countries bordering the Mediterranean sea. The diet includes fish, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and so on. This diet is highly recommended for individuals looking to improve their health. A key component is staying away from processed foods that can lead to obesity and health issues with more emphasis on whole, local foods.  

6. South Korea – Kimchi

When it comes to health secrets from around the world Kimchi should be on every list. The main ingredient in kimchi is fermented cabbage, radish, or cucumber. The nutrients and probiotics found in kimchi help improve gut health and digestion. It also tastes great and goes well with many dishes. Pick up a jar next time you stop by a local butcher shop or health food store.

7. France – Portion Control

Baguettes, croissants, macarons…. These delicious treats are well known in France but they are not exactly healthy. So why is everyone in France so skinny? Well, the answer is portion control. In France, it is custom to practice portion control when eating out or at home. This allows people to enjoy some of the world’s greatest pastries and food without gaining lots of weight. Portion control is a key practice for living a healthy lifestyle anywhere you are.

8. Scandinavia – Scandinavian (Nordic) Diet

Scandinavia is known to have some of the happiest and healthiest people in the world. What is the secret? Well, the Scandinavian diet is a good place to start. This diet consists of whole foods that can be found regionally. Foods include fish, complex carbs, and plant-based items. Little to no processed food is eaten if you are strictly following this diet. This is a recipe for a long and healthy life.

9. Netherlands – Bicycling

Bicycling is popular around the world but the Dutch take it to a whole new level. In The Netherlands, cycling is the primary mode of transportation for citizens thanks to the relatively flat terrain. Bike lanes are plentiful and easy to navigate. Biking to work or the grocery store every day is a simple way to get exercise so you don’t have to rely on expensive gym memberships.  

10. India – Yoga

Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years and was first widely adopted in what is now modern-day India. Yoga has many health benefits and can be practiced literally anywhere. Yoga increases your flexibility, muscle strength, muscle tone, respiration, and balances metabolism. The list of benefits goes on and on. Yoga has become extremely popular in recent years with yoga studios popping up all over major cities.

11. Ethiopia – Teff

Teff is a grain that is indigenous to Ethiopia and is a staple of pretty much every meal in the country. Teff is used to make injera, a type of bread that is used to eat various dishes. Injera is a fermented sourdough that resembles a pancake. It tastes amazing but is also very good for you. Injera is loaded with nutrients such as vitamin C, Iron, and many more. If there is a good local Ethiopian restaurant in your area, we recommend giving it a try.

12. Thailand – Massage

With more and more people spending countless hours sitting in front of computer screens, massages are in high demand. Thailand is famous for offering some of the best massages in the world. A massage is a great way to loosen tense muscles and feel healthier and happier. If you’re visiting Thailand, it’s hard to go very far without someone offering you a massage. Maybe take them up on it next time. Don’t have time to fly to Thailand? Try this at-home stone massage set.

13. South Africa – Rooibos Tea

Tea has a long history of health benefits from around the world. It is consumed daily in many countries and comes in many varieties. In South Africa, Rooibos tea is very popular, and for good reason. It’s very good for you. It’s caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants. Rooibos tea is popular for its effects on weight loss, calming nerves, improving skin, and aiding digestion. There are many more benefits we could list for you. If you want to give it a try here is a great option.

14. China – Qi

Qi is a concept that originated in China and has been at the forefront of Chinese health practices for over 2,500 years. The fundamentals of Qi are that everything is interconnected and interdependent within ourselves and the world we live in. When your Qi is balanced it means you are free of mental and physical health challenges. If something in your life is out of place, try to sort that thing out as soon as possible to bring it back into place.

15. Turkey – Hamman (Turkish Bath)

Our final entry on the list of best health secrets from around the world is a fun one! Hamman is a popular pastime in Turkey and many middle eastern countries. You may have heard of the Turkish bath before. Essentially this is where people come together to cleanse themselves. Hamman includes spending time in a steam room to sweat out the toxins. Scrubbing your skin to remove any dirt and dead skin, which helps to regenerate skin. The final component of this is a massage that helps alleviate aches and pains that come from toiling away at your day job.