Spain has risen to the top of the Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index that ranks 169 economies according to factors that add to overall health.

Spain topped the ranking in the 2019 edition, rising from sixth place in the previous indicator, published in 2017 defeating Italy to the crown.

Four additional European countries were among the top 10 which includes Iceland (third), Switzerland (fifth), Sweden (sixth) and Norway (ninth) position.

The index grades countries based on variables like life expectancy, while enforcing penalties on risks like usage of tobacco and obesity. It also takes into reflection environmental factors, such as access to clean water and sanitation.

Spain has got the highest life expectancy at birth among European Union countries and is anticipated to overtake Japan by 2040 to become the nation with the highest lifespan in the world. The Mediterranean diet is partly responsible for Spain’s high ranking on the list.

Researchers stated eating habits may offer clues to health levels that is enjoyed by Spain and Italy, as a “Mediterranean diet, complemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts, had a reduced rate of major cardiovascular events than those allocated to a reduced-fat diet. This has come out from a study led by the University of Navarra Medical School.

However, Spain’s superb National Health Service was also credited with putting Spain in the top spot.

According to the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies 2018 review of Spain, it has been noted that a decline in the past decade in cardiovascular diseases and deaths from cancer. Primary care is basically provided by public providers, who are specialized family doctors and staff nurses, who offer preventive services to children, women and elderly patients, and acute and chronic care.