This is what people eat in the 5 healthiest countries in the world

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In September, a study published by The Lancet compared the health of people in countries around the world.

Using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors research carried out from 1990 to 2015, a Socio-demographic Index found that Iceland, Singapore, Sweden, Andorra, and the UK were the five healthiest countries worldwide.

While the researchers came to this conclusion by looking at income per capita, educational attainment, and total fertility rate, nutritionists claim that the top five also have the best eating habits.

We've looked at the diets of the world's healthiest countries, which feature a range of crucial nutrients like Omega-3s and antioxidants.

From fatty fish tofilmjölk, read on to discover what people eat in the healthiest places on earth, ranked by their position in the Index.

5. United Kingdom

The UK was named the fifth healthiest country in the world, something that Shona Wilkinson, a nutritionist at Superfood UK, said is all down to popular food trends.

According to Wilkinson, Brits are moving away from processed foods in favour of local, seasonal produce. She said that winter vegetables such as swedes, parsnips and brussel sprouts, which are commonly grown in the UK, are "richer in nutrients such as vitamin C and contain more valuable fibre."

4. Andorra

The Socio-Demographic Index warned that alcohol consumption is a growing issue when it comes to global health, but the tiny nation of Andorra, which came fourth in the list, has the second largest wine consumption rate in the world.

Red wine contains an antioxidant called resveratrol, which, according to Wilkinson, can "prevent cardiovascular health conditions such as high cholesterol by protecting blood cells and platelets." Red wine also thins the blood, which can prevent blood clots that can be linked to strokes.

3. Sweden

Two Scandinavian countries made it into the top five of the healthiest places in the world, including Sweden in third place.

Dr. Marilyn Glenville, a nutritionist and author of "Natural Alternatives to Sugar," said that the Swedish diet contains plenty of foods that are good for digestion. "The Swedish eat high-quality dairy products, and they are well known for producing healthy fermented dairy products," she said. One local delicacy which is similar to yoghurt is filmjölk, which contains different beneficial bacteria to plain yoghurt.

2. Singapore

British Nutritionist Lily Soutter said that the herbs and spices found in Singaporean cuisine help to prevent illness, which is perhaps one of many reasons it is the second healthiest country in the world.

Soutter said that spices like ginger and turmeric, which are crucial for making a traditional laksa curry, have anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties. She added that ginger also improves circulation, "allowing more vital nutrients to reach each organ."

1. Iceland

Iceland topped the list of the world's healthiest countries, which Glenville attributes to its government's strict environmental regulations and supply of fresh fish.

Fish plays a key role in Icelandic life — species like salmon and herring, which are commonly eaten in the country, contain essential fatty acids like Omega-3, which Glenville said can slow down the release of carbohydrates into the body.

"They can make you feel fuller for longer and also control hunger," she said. One iconic Icelandic dish is Harðfiskur; a dried fish typically served with whole grain, charcoal bread which contains plenty of fibre and is good for digestion.

Glenville said that Scandanavians tend to eat more "good quality, complex, unrefined carbohydrates in the form of rye and pumpernickel breads, which we know are important for health.”

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