What makes a healthy diet? In theory of course we know the basic nutritional concepts such as vegetables, protein, foods low in salt, sugar, and contains no saturated fat.

However, in order to be healthy, whether people in Dubai or the people in Thailand will fill their shopping baskets with food that is the same as those in Jakarta or Denver, for example?

In a global survey on healthy eating habits of consumers conducted by AC Nielsen in 56 countries, revealed that healthy food categories vary in many countries.

This survey asked 25,000 respondents chose a list of 10 types of food that often they buy, which they consider healthy. Approximately 53 percent of respondents worldwide said they are actively trying to maintain weight and 78 percent say the diet is a major effort to trim. However, 59 percent of respondents admitted they had difficulty deciphering the list of nutrients in the packaging.

In addition, the majority of respondents said they were skeptical of health claims from food manufacturers, primarily products labeled as “Natural” and “Organic”.

Here is the complete list of healthy foods most often purchased by consumers in various countries.

ASIA

1. Yogurt containing bacteria
2. Fermented beverages
3. Foods that contain fiber intact
4. Soy milk
5. Bread plus vitamin

EUROPE

1. Products that contain fiber intact
2. Iodized salt
3. Yogurt contains good bacteria
4. Butter and oil substitute
5. Fermented beverages

LATIN AMERICA

1. Products that contain fiber intact
2. Butter and oil substitute
3. Additional yogurt with good bacteria
4. Cereals containing folate
5. Fruit beverages supplemented

MIDDLE EAST

1. Fruit juice supplemented
2. Butter and oil substitute
3. Products that contain fiber intact
4. Iodized salt
5. Additional yogurt with good bacteria

NORTH AMERICA

1. Products that contain fiber intact
2. Butter and oil substitute
3. Vitamin-fortified bread
4. Fruit juice supplemented
5. Yogurt with good bacteria

Sources:
Huffingtonpost