10 Healthy Habits From Around The World…That Also Benefit Your Bones

Updated: April 14, 2023

cucumber, radish and avocado toast

Avocado toast, hemp hearts, and kombucha are all the rage – but we can still learn a few things by looking beyond our borders.

So what are other countries around the world doing to live happier, healthier lives?

#1 In France, They Drink Wine

French women have one of the longest life expectancies in the world.

They eat butter, eggs, cheese, bread…yet still have a low rate of heart disease because they also drink wine – specifically red wine. The cardiovascular benefit of red wine has to do with its antioxidant properties from polyphenols. The most active polyphenol in red wine is flavonoids.

But red wine not only protects your heart but may protect your bones as well.

One study shows that moderate wine consumption (1-2 glasses per day) has bone benefits, especially for aging women who have experienced menopause. Findings suggest that the compound resveratrol, which has anti-inflammatory properties helps stimulate bone-forming cells within the body.

So if you enjoy red wine, don’t give it up. But be mindful that excess alcohol and red wine consumption also has the opposite effect on your heart and health.

#2 In Denmark, They Like to Hygge

Hygge (hoo-guh) is one of those words that doesn’t have a direct English translation but is a blend of coziness, contentment, and well-being. In other words, happiness.

In 2016, National Geographic ranked Denmark as the happiest country in the world. So it’s about time we take a look at what habits this Scandinavian country enjoys…

With fewer and fewer Americans being happy, why not try Hygge for yourself. (Maybe you already do in your own way? If so, let us know in the comments below.)

While enjoying comfort, a warm cozy place and the company of friends, the Danes (both men and women) practice gratitude as an integral part of Hygge. Consistently practicing gratitude has been shown to be great for mental health and for stress levels.

Stress can negatively impact your bones. When stress is prolonged, a steroid hormone called cortisol rises – and high cortisol levels can reduce your body’s ability to absorb calcium properly.

So make sure this doesn’t happen to you and if you start feeling the stress, remember the Danish habit called Hygge. The concept has reached such popularity there are even online courses to learn all about it and how to do it.

shrub recipe with mineral water

#3 In Argentina, They Drink Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is the national drink of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Southern Brazil, where it’s consumed 6 to 1 over coffee!

It’s known to have ‘the strength of coffee’, the health benefits of tea and a hint of chocolate all in one. While still containing caffeine (the caffeine content varies between that of coffee and green tea). Unlike coffee, it’s not acid forming or oily, so it’s less likely cause the jitters.

If you’re looking to go caffeine-free though, why not try calcium-rich mineral waters?

In fact, healthy women have shown to absorb and retain calcium just as well from calcium-rich mineral water as from milk. So those of you that are lactose intolerant or choose not to consume milk will find this is a great alternative.

You can even take it to the next level by making a concentrate that is known as a shrub. A shrub is a fermented blend of fruit, app, e cider vinegar and honey.

The fermentation process consumes the sugars in the honey and provides gut-healthy probiotics. Once your shrub has fully fermented you simply add a healthy splash of mineral water and enjoy a treat that happens to boost your health.

Learn more about how to make your own delicious shrub recipe here.

#4 In Holland They Bike for Transportation, Not for Leisure

The Dutch use bikes as their main source of transportation for about one-third or their daily activities. This more than any other European country, according to the European Commission.

This frees up mental space from the worries of finding and paying for parking, benefits the environment and keeps them physically fit.

Researchers have also identified a correlation between active commuting and cardiovascular risk. In fact, active commuting can reduce your cardiovascular risk by an overall 11% and even more so in women!

Adopting this healthy living tip can benefit your mental, cardiovascular and bone health. All while freeing up your mind and wallet from parking worries. Definitely, a healthy habit swap worth making.

Wine snack set. Glass of red, meat selection, mediterranean olives

#5 In Greece, They Focus on Diet

It seems like not a day goes by without hearing about a new found health benefit of the Mediterranean Diet.

This healthy diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and lean, healthy proteins. Everything that nutritionists and cardiologists dream of!

We’re talking green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, olives, seeds, nuts, beans and fish galore with lots of legit olive oil.

All of that provides fiber, protein, and fat to keep you satiated long after your meal and thus prevents overeating. The nutrients nourish every system in your body and the healthy fats support mental, neurological, cardiac and even bone health.

#6 In Norway, They Eat Fish

In Norway, their cuisine consists largely of salmon, mackerel and pickled herring – all fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA.

EPA has been found to reduce inflammation, which we are now learning to be the root cause and accelerator for many disease states. DHA is incredible for brain development and then a healthy brain function the rest of our lives.
If fish, especially pickled, is not your thing, but you want the amazing health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, choose a quality omega-3 supplement and make it a healthy habit to take regularly.

Friends smiling and sitting in a coffee shop

#7 In Sweden, They Make Socializing a Priority

While there’s no direct English translation for the Swedish word Fika, the concept is one Americans will understand and love – it’s time to set aside for a coffee break with friends, family, and colleagues.

It’s much more than a hurried cup of low-grade coffee in the breakroom or a meeting at a wobbly table at a loud, mainstream coffee café.

Fika is the conscious act of carving out time to enjoy your company, coffee, and perfectly paired snacks if you’re looking to Fika proper.

That’s right, as one of the top coffee consumers in the world, Sweden knows how to enjoy their coffee to a level that Fika can be either a noun or a verb, both if you’re up for it.

To truly enjoy Fika, make sure to put your phone away after you snap your social media perfect picture. The key is to be in the moment with your company at the table when you Fika.

In Sweden, this cultural tradition is observed frequently and sometimes several times a day. This provides time to socialize which can lower stress and allow you time to get to know someone better in a positive, relaxing manner.

Studies show that there is a link between social relationships and health, especially for women.

Healthy relationships, both structured and unstructured, prolong life and boost physical health. This correlation or pattern is shown to be stronger in women.

So carve out time for your friends and family, it’s important. Whether that’s over a cup of coffee, tea or another activity that keeps you connected.

#8 In Taiwan, They Cook The Majority of Meals at Home

We’ve all heard that one of the healthiest habit swaps for our waistline and budget is packing a homemade lunch and eating dinner at home instead of going out, but there’s more to it than that.

A study by Cambridge University found that elderly Taiwanese people who cooked most of their meals at home lived longer than those who did not. Interestingly, the same study shows that women benefited more from cooking more frequently than men did.

Regardless of gender, cooking at home instead of eating out gives you control over your ingredients, how they are handled (washed hands, utensils and produce), sodium content and portion size – all things that you have little to no control over when you go out to eat.

Staying in also saves money, which in turn reduces stress.

Invite friends and family over to enjoy the meal with you and enjoy the additional bonus the health boost that comes with social relationships.

japanese natto and rice

#9 In Japan, They Eat This…

Japan has both some of the lowest dairy and calcium consumption and lowest fracture rates in the world.

This is so different from everything we’ve grown accustomed to and when you look closer you’ll see the importance of ALL nutrients the body needs.

While dairy and calcium consumption is low, Japanese diets are rich in vitamin K2, a vitamin that has been found to promote healthy bone metabolism. Vitamin K2 also acts to support calcium absorption and directs calcium straight to your bones – and keeps it out of your heart, arteries, etc.

Japanese diets are distinctly high in this particular nutrient because of a food called Natto. Natto is a fermented soybean product and happens to be the richest source of dietary vitamin K2 on the planet!

It’s a typical breakfast food in Japan dating back hundreds of years to the Samurai era. The Samurai’s believed it quickened their reflexes and improved strength.

However, if its scarce availability in the U.S., potent aroma and slimy texture are all factors you can’t get past, you can supplement with a clinically supported bone-building supplement with vitamin K2.

#10 In India, They Use Spices

Perhaps the most famous spice in Indian dishes is turmeric.

You don’t have to search too long to discover article after article touting the health benefits of turmeric, especially its anti-inflammatory properties.

In fact, if you are looking for natural pain relief from chronic inflammation, turmeric may be your savior. One study published in The Journal of Oncogene showed that curcumin, the active agent in turmeric, may be more potent than Ibuprofen and Aspirin when it comes to suppressing inflammation.

Turmeric is also a natural phytoestrogen, which may help ease hormonal imbalances during menopause. Estrogen deficiency during this time can lead to many health problems, including joint pain and reduced bone mineral density.

To get the most out of turmeric, you should consume it regularly. If incorporating it every day through meals or drinks isn’t realistic, try Triple Power Omega 3 Fish Oil. It contains clinical doses of omega 3 fatty acids, including organic turmeric curcumin and another potent anti-inflammatory, astaxanthin.

healthy habit - smelling flowers

Takeaway

Little changes can make a big difference in your health.

Taking time for Fika, hopping on your bike instead of in your car or trying a new food like Natto may seem daunting, but it can also be fun.

So why not try some of the habits above and see if they work for you. You don’t have to try them all at once, but choose one or two and build from there.

Maybe you’re already familiar and incorporating a handful of these into your daily life already? Let us know in the comments below! And of any other habits, we may have missed…

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  1. Margaret

    April 15, 2017 , 9:16 am

    Thank you for sharing information from around the world to help us stay healthier. Always remember to incorporate God in your life. If we live by God’s commandments we open ourselves up to blessings from His Spirit and angelic help. I believe when we continuously break God’s laws (sin), we put ourselves in harm’s way opening ourselves to demons directing our paths.

  2. Monica

    April 15, 2017 , 2:34 pm

    Hi Margaret,
    You’re welcome. Glad you liked this post – and have a wonderful Easter weekend 🙂

    – Monica

  3. Margaret

    April 15, 2017 , 10:37 am

    Great article with some fifferent recommendations to try.

  4. Monica

    April 15, 2017 , 2:33 pm

    Hi Margaret,

    Glad you enjoyed this post! I’ve been trying Yerba Mate lately and really like it so far…my next try is going to be Natto, but I have a feeling I won’t be a fan, haha.

    – Monica

  5. Kathryn Newton

    April 16, 2017 , 2:53 am

    The list of healthy habits is reassuring.Thanks for keeping my spirits up.

  6. Monica

    April 16, 2017 , 3:49 pm

    Hi Kathryn,
    Thanks for the feedback! Wonderful to hear the habits are reassuring for you – and I agree. None of them are too unrealistic or difficult to try.
    – Monica

  7. Helen

    April 16, 2017 , 11:35 pm

    I found the National information very interesting as I have been diagnosed with calcification of the aorta!! But with no treatment or concern shown by my doctor. I had heard of the possible benefits of K2 but noone seems to know much and would be very grateful to hear from anyone who has knowledge of the benefits of K2 and indeed the risks with calcification of one’s aorta. Anyone??

  8. Lara Pizzorno

    April 18, 2017 , 8:09 am

    Hi Helen,

    I’m so glad you asked about the impact of vitamin K2 on vascular calcification (including calcification of the aorta). Vitamin K2 is quite safe and may be highly beneficial for you.

    We’ve known for more than 20 years now that one of the proteins that vitamin K2 activates, called matrix Gla protein, not only prevents calcium from depositing in the vasculature, but actually removes calcium deposits from our blood vessels (and other soft tissues, like our kidneys, breasts and brain). It is distressing that your physician is unaware of this research.

    The first human evidence for a link between nutritional vitamin K status and vascular health was provided by the Rotterdam study, whose results were published in 2004.
    Geleijnse JM, Vermeer C, Grobbee DE, Schurgers LJ, et al. Dietary intake of menaquinone is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease: the Rotterdam Study. J Nutr. 2004 Nov;134(11):3100-5. PMID: 15514282

    In this study, dietary intake of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinone (vitamin K2) was analyzed in relation to risk of aortic calcification and coronary heart disease (CHD) in 4,807 elderly subjects recruited from the general population. Risk of incident CHD, all-cause mortality, and vascular pathology (aortic calcification) was found to be inversely related to intake of vitamin K2 (i.e., greater K2 intake resulted in significantly lower risk), but no such benefits were detected with respect to different levels of vitamin K1 intake. This is because K1, while beneficial for our bones because it lowers inflammation (and chronic inflammation is a key underlying cause of excessive osteoclast activation and bone loss), does not activate the vitamin K-dependent proteins, osteocalcin, which pulls calcium into bone, and matrix Gla protein, which prevents calcium from depositing in soft tissues and removes calcium that has deposited in the vasculature.

    Since the Rotterdam study, a number of additional studies have shown that insufficient intake of vitamin K2 is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular calcification, whereas higher intake of vitamin K2 exerts cardiovascular protection. Here are just a few of these papers (perhaps you might want to share these with your doctor since K2 is an extremely safe, effective and inexpensive treatment to prevent and reverse arterial calcification that he or she should know about):

    Juanola-Falgarona M, Salas-Salvadó J, et al. Dietary intake of vitamin K is inversely associated with mortality risk. J Nutr. 2014 May;144(5):743-50. doi: 10.3945/jn.113.187740. Epub 2014 Mar 19. Erratum in: J Nutr. 2016 Mar;146(3):653. PMID: 24647393
    Vissers LE, Dalmeijer GW, Boer JM, et al. Intake of dietary phylloquinone and menaquinones and risk of stroke. J Am Heart Assoc. 2013 Dec 10;2(6):e000455. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.113.000455. PMID: 24326161
    Vissers LE, Dalmeijer GW, Boer JM, et al. The relationship between vitamin K and peripheral arterial disease. Atherosclerosis. 2016 Sep;252:15-20. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.07.915. Epub 2016 Jul 25.
    PMID: 27494446
    Shea MK, Holden RM. Vitamin K status and vascular calcification: evidence from observational and clinical studies. Adv Nutr. 2012 Mar 1;3(2):158-65. doi: 10.3945/an.111.001644. PMID: 22516723
    Gast GC, de Roos NM, Sluijs I, et al. A high menaquinone intake reduces the incidence of coronary heart disease. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2009 Sep;19(7):504-10. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2008.10.004. Epub 2009 Jan 28. PMID: 19179058

    Vitamin K2 has been also been studied in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and found to help prevent excessive bone loss, and in patients with chronic kidney disease, a condition that results in arterial calcification. The most recently published study looking into the effects of K2 on arterial calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease was a small, pilot trial of 42 subjects with CKD stage 3-5 who were randomized into two treatment arms: one group receiving 400 iu of vitamin D3 only and a second group receiving 400 IU of D3 plus 90 mcg of K2 daily for 270 days. Progression of atherosclerosis was assessed by measurement of the intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery and was significantly lower in patients treated with both D3 and MK-7. Several additional prospective, interventional studies are now in process that will further investigate vitamin K2’s cardiovascular benefits.
    Brandenburg VM, Schurgers LJ, Kaesler N, et al. Prevention of vasculopathy by vitamin K supplementation: can we turn fiction into fact? Atherosclerosis. 2015 May;240(1):10-6. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.02.040. Epub 2015 Feb 24. PMID: 25744701

    One of these is focusing specifically on coronary arterial calcification — a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial: “The Effects of Vitamin K-2 Supplementation on the Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification.” This study is being conducted from Maastricht, The Netherlands (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01002157 and is investigating daily supplementation with 360 mcg Vitamin K-2 (MK7) in patients with established coronary artery calcification (CAC). The study is investigating whether MK-7 supplementation results in a decreased progression-rate of CAC after 24 months of follow-up. I am following this research and will be reporting the results when each of these studies is published.

    Hope this helps,
    Lara

  9. Susan Di Santo

    April 17, 2017 , 12:21 am

    Natto can be fermeted with lentils and other pulses too. To avoid GMO soy etc.
    Starter kits are available if you search on line.
    I’m lucky that i love near a japanese shop in London 4xindividual frozen 100g packs for £2-3.
    Dont love soy beans but the packs come with sachet of tamari and mustard, which improves plain natto taste. I also added dried corriander. Its not that inedible esp. when you know how beneficial it is for bone.

  10. Monica

    April 17, 2017 , 8:57 am

    Hi Susan,
    Interesting! I never thought to ferment with lentils and other pulses. Sounds like it would make it much better, especially with some tamari and mustard.

    Thanks for sharing!
    – Monica

This article features advice based on cutting-edge research from our industry experts to give you the best possible information to support your bone-building journey.

Lara Pizzorno
MDiv, MA, LMT - Best-selling author of Healthy Bones Healthy You! and Your Bones; Editor of Longevity Medicine Review, and Senior Medical Editor for Integrative Medicine Advisors.,
Dr. Liz Lipski
PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMP, BCHN, LDN - Professor and Director of Academic Development, Nutrition programs in Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health.,
Dr. Emma Gasinski
PT, DPT, RYT - Physical therapist and certified yoga teacher with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals,
Dr. Lawrence (Larry) A. May
MD, FACP, Harvard Medical School Graduate, Physician, Author, Public Speaker - Doctor of Internal Medicine at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center and author of several articles and books, including the widely utilized and best selling medical textbook Primary Care Medicine,