Plain language summary
Inflammation is understood to play a major role in in the development of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. There has been considerable research carried out into the anti-inflammatory effects of particular diets, primarily the Mediterranean diet, which has consistently shown the potential to reduce inflammation and promote health. The positive results are consequential of the high intake of fresh fruit and vegetables along with fresh fish and olive oil along with minimal intake of inflammatory foods such as saturated fats and meat. The Nordic diet has similar requisites to the Mediterranean diet only it includes the use of canola oil as opposed to olive oil and includes the consumption of berries. Researchers attribute obesity as the main cause of increased inflammatory markers with weight loss being the most reliable method of reducing markers. They also stress the importance of good quality food, of which the Nordic diet offers. This review paper looks at the anti-inflammatory effect of foods consumed with the Nordic diet and includes research using randomised and controlled dietary trials and observational studies. Investigations into anti-inflammatory properties of the Nordic diet are in their infancy, so it is not yet possible to stipulate anti-inflammatory effects of the Nordic diet, but future research looks promising.
Abstract
Low-grade inflammation (LGI) has been suggested to be involved in the development of chronic diseases. Healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD), may decrease the markers of LGI. Healthy Nordic diet (HND) has many similarities with MD, but its effects on LGI are less well known. Both of these dietary patterns emphasize the abundant use of fruits and vegetables (and berries in HND), whole grain products, fish, and vegetable oil (canola oil in HND and olive oil in MD), but restrict the use of saturated fat and red and processed meat. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the results of studies, which have investigated the associations or effects of HND on the markers of LGI. Altogether, only two publications of observational studies and eight publications of intervention trials were found through the literature search. Both observational studies reported an inverse association between the adherence to HND and concentration of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). A significant decrease in the concentration of hsCRP was reported in two out of four intervention studies measuring hsCRP. Single intervention studies reported the beneficial effects on interleukin 1Ra and Cathepsin S. Current evidence suggests the beneficial effects on LGI with HND, but more carefully controlled studies are needed to confirm the anti-inflammatory effects of the HND.
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