This is an excerpt from Life, Awakened – a series of videos and articles that promote harnessing the power of sleep for those in pursuit of an active, healthy lifestyle.

“When traveling, eating the local cuisine isn’t just a great way to immerse yourself in the culture, it’s also better for your health. You’re more likely to get fresher, tastier produce that is minimally processed, which means the nutrient value is higher, says Christy Wilson, a Tucson, Arizona-based registered dietician.

For adventure-seeking foodies, now is the time to book a trip to Scandinavia. In addition to stunning scenery, research suggests that eating the Nordic way has proven body benefits. Think of it as a cooler-temps take on the Mediterranean diet, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, a registered dietician based in Chicago. “The Nordic diet has lots of good fats and fish,” she says. “The emphasis is on whole grains, berries, and cruciferous veggies like cabbage.”

“Nordic staples are generally locally sourced and seasonal, and many of the ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties,” says Wilson. A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition showed that sticking to a Nordic diet can boost inflammation-fighting antioxidants in your bloodstream, while also tamping down compounds that increase your risk of diabetes.

No matter what part of Scandinavia you’re visiting, there’s an outdoor experience that will satisfy your appetite while putting you in touch with nature. And science has shown that physically interacting with soil can make you happier, just another reason to give foraging a try.”

Four 5 uniquely Nordic foraging adventures, read the full article at Furthermore here.