Although its economy is shaky, Italy has the world’s healthiest population according to Bloomberg News. An Italian newborn can expect to live into his or her eighties. Sierra Leone, where life expectancy is 52, ranks 163. The United States, with its obese population, comes in at 34.
Italians, known for a diet filled with pasta and prosciutto, also consume lots of vegetables and, of course, extra-virgin olive oil.
We’ve been told breakfast is the most important meal. What is a typical breakfast in healthy countries? (Pop-Tarts or dairy products flavored with Starbucks coffee gets you number 34.) Here’s how people start the day in the healthy countries:
- Italy – cappuccino or espresso and, yup, pastry
- Iceland – granola or oatmeal with berries, bread and butter,
- Switzerland – granola with fruits and nuts
- Singapore – noodles, noodles and noodles, usually with broth
- Australia – espresso coffee and, um, Vegemite
Denny’s Grand Slam was not on any of the top-ten breakfasts.
