Since this is indeed the month of St Patrick’s Day, it is perhaps fitting to consider some recent research about the health of Irish people, focusing on lifestyle, especially diet. Many Americans envision the Irish diet as unhealthy with an emphasis on fried, fatty snacks (think fish and chips), followed by meat-centric heavy meals, and washed down with a Guinness. The most recent survey of the state of Irish health seems to reflect that (Source: State of Health in the EU-Ireland). Ireland has the highest rate of obesity among European countries, with high rates of alcohol-related deaths, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The rest of the story
That is not the whole story, however. Surprisingly, Ireland also boasts the highest life expectancy among European countries 82.9 (2022) v American life expectancy of 77.43 (2022). The survey also found more active lifestyles in Ireland, especially walking, than in other European nations. One other marker of good health is individual rating of one’s health. The Irish rated their health positively with the highest self-reported good health in the EU. A whopping 84 percent of the population reported having good health. The Irish lifestyle seems to be a combination of healthy and unhealthy patterns. Being an island nation, much fish is consumed, which can be fresh and healthy. Irish cuisine is known for its focus on fresh veggies, cabbage, carrots and beans — all foods Americans consistently don’t consume in the recommended amounts.
What about those potatoes? And, of course, a staple of Irish diets, the potato, is often served with every meal in multiple forms – both healthy and heart-attack-inducing. The Irish are known for their Colcannon – mashed potatoes with chopped kale or cabbage. Again, a healthy combination, if not too much butter or cream are added to the mix. When cut into chips (fries) or crips (potato chips) that healthy potato loses nutrients and becomes the unhealthy food that contributes to the obesity problem in Ireland. Although many in the US are afraid of potatoes, new research is showing that potatoes do not deserve the bad rap they get for causing weight gain. It’s the frying or the addition of butter, sour cream or cheese that causes the weight gain.
Other healthy Irish foods and patterns Comparing the typical health habits and diet of those living in the US versus Ireland, Americans often are surprised by the Irish diet and lifestyle. Beans appear on the menu for breakfast and throughout the day. Servings are often smaller than American super-sized meals, and fresh veggies are prominent. Meals are eaten much more in a social setting, not isolated or in a rush, as is so often the case in the US. And finally, meals are often followed by walking, a habit the Irish indulge in much more than in vehicle-focused American life.
So what’s the story on Irish health? It’s a mix of good and bad choices. Too much alcohol, too many fried snacks and heavy, meat-laden meals on one hand; beans, cabbage, fresh veggies, potatoes, walking, and reasonable serving size on the other hand, the later choices being ones we might want to adopt.
Consider these words of a university student who lived in Ireland: “After about a month on the Emerald Isle, I have been pleasantly surprised with how healthy I look and feel, and I attribute this to 3 main healthy habits that Americans should adopt from the Irish: 1. Portion Sizes 2. Social Meals 3. Walking.” (Source: Spoon University article “3 Healthy Habits Americans Should Borrow from the Irish.”)
The take-away
Perhaps we can focus on those healthy Irish positives as we celebrate St Patrick’s Day this year. Consider ordering (or better yet, cooking your own) potatoes, maybe served with kale or cabbage. Or try a slimmed-down Corned Beef casserole made with seitan (wheat-based protein) or tempeh (soy). Instead of a Bailey’s Irish Cream, a Guinness, or a McDonald’s Shamrock Shake (500+ calories with 14 grams of fat and 63 grams of sugar — and that’s the small size!), here’s a link for a healthier recipe: “Not McDonald’s Shamrock Shake.”
