Forget the Mediterranean -- the land of snow and salmon is serving up a fresh way to eat that gives your heart a healthy boost.
A growing body of research suggests the Nordic diet can help trim your waist, tame your cholesterol levels and keep your blood pressure in check.
That could be a game-changer in the fight against cardiovascular disease, which kills an American every 34 seconds.
This northern European way of eating leans heavily on whole foods that retain their natural nutrients, in sharp contrast to the US food supply, where up to 70% is ultraprocessed.
It revolves around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients found across Nordic nations like Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
"[The Vikings] were limited to the foods available to them at the time," Lauren Harris-Pincus, a registered dietitian, told Fox News. "Their diet focused on clean, sustainable foods, which is why we are discussing its health benefits today."
Like the Mediterranean diet -- long hailed for its heart-healthy power -- the Nordic style is plant-forward, high in fiber and packed with seafood.
But while the Greeks rely on olive oil, the northern approach leans on rapeseed (or canola) oil, another heart-friendly monounsaturated fat, according to Harvard Health.
Rapeseed oil is also a source of alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid similar to the kind found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring -- all staples of the Nordic kitchen. Followers typically eat two to three servings of these fish each week.
The omega-3s delivered by both the oil and fish have been shown to reduce the risk of heart rhythm issues, slow plaque buildup in arteries and lower fat levels in the blood, key factors in protecting cardiovascular health.
The Nordic diet also emphasizes low-fat dairy, such as yogurt, and incorporates eggs and poultry in moderation. Red and processed meats, on the other hand, rarely make it onto the plate.
Whole grains such as oats, barley and rye are another cornerstone in this eating pattern. These fiber-rich "complex" carbs digest slowly, helping to curb cravings and keep blood sugar steady -- unlike refined grains in processed staples like white bread.
Cold-weather veggies like turnips, carrots, parsnips, cabbage and cauliflower are also featured prominently. They're packed with fiber and nutrients that have been shown to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Berries like blueberries, strawberries, cranberries and lingonberries play a starring role, too. Rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins, these fruits help keep arteries flexible and may also lower blood pressure.
Unlike many American eating habits, the Nordic diet also goes easy on alcohol and avoids foods high in added sugar and sodium.
By avoiding processed junk, saturated fats and high-cholesterol meats while loading up on fiber-rich whole foods, studies suggest the Nordic diet can lead to significant weight loss -- a major win for heart health.
In one study, people who followed the Nordic diet for just six weeks lost 4% of their body weight -- significantly more than those eating a standard western diet.
In another trial, people with obesity who stuck to it for six months dropped about 10 pounds -- roughly triple the weight loss seen in a typical diet group.
And it's not just about the scale. In a 2022 analysis, researchers found that the Nordic diet helped lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels independent of weight loss.
"The group that had been on the Nordic diet for six months became significantly healthier, with lower cholesterol levels, lower overall levels of both saturated and unsaturated fat in the blood, and better regulation of glucose, compared to the control group," study author Lars Ove Dragsted said in a statement.
Other studies have found that the Nordic diet can have a positive impact on blood pressure and inflammation. Taken together, and experts say this cold-climate cuisine could be just what the doctor ordered for your heart.
A 2023 review even found that the Nordic diet might reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the US. However, more research is needed to nail down exactly how much.
Still, experts say Americans could learn a thing or two from their northern neighbors -- especially when it comes to cutting processed meats and sugar-laden snacks.
"People who really like berries, rye bread, and canola oil should go ahead and enjoy a Nordic-style diet rather than waiting 10 years to get more evidence," advised Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.