The Lancet recently published a study that suggested that 1 in 5 deaths are associated with poor diet. Out of all the 195 countries that they surveyed they found the highest deaths were in Uzbekistan while the lowest was in Israel (the United States came in at 43rd).

So if one is planning a vacation based on one's preference of cuisine and if one is interested in switching over to a more healthy diet, perhaps one should pop on over to Israel. Alternatively, if one is planning death by eating, it is not necessary to go to Uzbekistan. Just go to Las Vegas and dine at their infamous Heart Attack Grill and enjoy their complimentary cardiac arrest.

The Lancet's Published Study

So why is Israel considered the healthiest (or at least have the least number of deaths "associated" with poor diet)? Perhaps it has something to do with that the main city of Israel is dubbed the "vegan capital of the world".

  • Poor Diet Associated Deaths: 1 in 5 or 11 Million Deaths In 2017

The poor diet in the study was linked to cardiovascular disease, cancers, and type 2 diabetes. But in Israel, there are fewer greasy foods that characterize fast food.

The study noted a shortfall in global consumption for good foods like nuts, seeds, milk, and whole grains (with too many sugary drinks, processed meat, and sodium being overeaten).

But the food in Israel is diverse, fresh, and increasingly vegan. In the 2000s there has been a marked trend in the country to eat healthily. There has been an emphasis on organic and whole-grain foods and many Israelis have re-embraced the Mediterranean diet that is commonly touted for its health benefits.

Related: If You're Going To Tackle Mediterranean Cuisine, Let It Be These Dishes First

Israel's Vegan Craze

According to the Independent, the city online boasts 400 vegan and vegan-friendly kitchens. They also state that people in Tel Aviv put "a real emphasis on freshness of produce." And that the city is in close proximity to fresh vegetables.

  • Vegan Restaurants In Tel Aviv: 400 (Including Vegan-Friendly)
  • Number of Israeli Vegans: 200,000-300,000 People (Population only 8 Million)

In Israel, it is very easy to go meat-free and many of their best dishes are already vegetarian or vegan. The country boasts a whole load of high-quality fruit and vegetables as well as a very rich culinary tradition.

The Israelis (especially those in Tel Aviv) are known to be very progressive and liberal-minded (perhaps this is why Tel Aviv is known as one of the most LBGT friendly destinations in the world).

Over the last six years, there has been an explosion of plant-based restaurants, this explosion has transformed the small country of Israel into the largest vegan nation in the world per capita.

  • Largest Vegan Nation: Israel (Per Capita)
  • Tel Aviv: The Vegan Capital Of The World

So vegan has Israel become that the Israeli Tourism Ministry even promotes Israel as a vegan nation. They state:

"Boasting the world’s largest per capita vegan population, Israel’s restaurants and supermarkets offer numerous options for veggie lovers. As the world's vegetarian food capital, Tel Aviv restaurants and food stands provide numerous options for veggie lovers....vegan foods are no longer looked upon as such a fringe element, and have a much wider selection to choose from on supermarket shelves and restaurant menus."

On another note, the Independent also reported that Australia's city of Melbourne is also fast becoming another global hotspot for vegans.

Related: Caribbean Vs. The Mediterranean: Where Should You Go For Sand, Sun, And Views?

The Diversity of Israel's Cuisine

Israel is a nation of immigrants. Over the last 80 years, people have been pouring into Israel from all over the world and so one will find a massive range of influences in their cuisine there.

One will see Moroccan, Middle Eastern, Russian, Turkish, Greek, Georgian, and much more influences.

  • Diversity: The Jewish Diaspora Has Brought Incredible Diversity to the Israeli Cuisine

This has been aided by the fact that Israeli staple foods were already hummus and falafel (already vegan).

  • Widely Popular In Israel: Falafel, Hummus, Msabbha, Shakshouka, Couscous
  • Kosher: Israeli Cooking Is Kept Kosher (Pork, Ham, and Bacon are Normally Absent)

Tel Aviv is known as a young and exciting city - and one with great culinary cuisine. In some of their restaurant's veganism has become less about imitating meat, and more about new and innovative ways of cooking.

The dishes one will find in Israel are both local and a myriad of dishes brought to Israel by the Jewish Diaspora from all over the world. There is a blend of Mizrahi, Sephardic, and Ashkenazi styles of cooking and they incorporate many foods traditionally included in other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.

Still if one is a meat lover, one can find plenty of options for that too in Israel (although it will be difficult to find pork).

Next: Some Like It Hot: Where To Find The Spiciest Cuisine In The World