No surprise here– North American countries didn’t fare so well in the Bloomberg Healthiest Countries Index. The United States ranked #35, Mexico at 53rd, while Canada surpassed both with a 16th place ranking.
The index compiles the rankings based on life expectancy, tobacco & alcohol use, obesity, and environmental factors (ie: access to clean water & sanitation).
European nations ranked in the top 10, with Spain taking the #1 spot. Italy (?!?!!) actually was the healthiest country in 2018 (#pasta) but slipped to 2nd place this year.
Researchers believe eating habits, such as the Mediterranean diet, use of extra-virgin olive oil and nuts, contribute to the lower number of cardiovascular events, thus, a higher life expectancy.
The United States life expectancy has been trending lower due to deaths from drug overdoses and suicides.
Read the complete index here.
