Mai-Lis Hellenius' book wins award linked to health project in Estonia
KI researcher Mai-Lis Hellenius has written several books with research-based advice for a healthy life that prevents cardiovascular disease and other ill-health. Her latest book has just won an important award linked to a health initiative with other KI researchers in Estonia, a country with a high mortality rate from cardiovascular disease.
Professor Emerita Mai-Lis Hellenius at the Department of Medicine, Solna, KI, has for most of her professional life focused on cardiovascular prevention and the importance of lifestyle for the heart and blood vessels.
Eating right is an important part of preventing cardiovascular disease and other ill-health. Mai-Lis Hellenius has written several books with research-based advice and recipes as inspiration for those who want to live a healthier life.
Two years ago, Livsviktigt – mina bästa råd för ett långt friskt liv was published, which has also been translated into English.
Best book in the world
Now Vitally important – my best advice for a long healthy life has been named the world's best book in its category in the international competition "Gourmand International Awards", which can be compared to the Oscars of cooking and lifestyle books. This year, the gala celebrated 30 years and books from 83 competed in Estoril, Portugal.
Mai-Lis Hellenius says that her book has also previously won an award in the same competition. This year's recognition is linked to the book's role in a vital health project in Estonia.
“I'm very happy about the award. I am passionate about disseminating knowledge and results from research in order to contribute to societal benefit and better health, the researcher's so-called third task. It feels extra gratifying to receive the award for a new, preventive initiative in Estonia.”
Health project in the Baltics
The background to the prevention project in Estonia is that the Baltic states have a higher morbidity and mortality rate from cardiovascular disease than other countries in Europe.
“We are a group of researchers from KI and Uppsala University who have been offering hands-on health courses at LaSpa in Laulasmaa, Estonia, for the past three years. Theres been up up to three courses per year with participants from Sweden, Finland and the Baltic countries. We also offer open free lectures for the public. The project has received a lot of attention in the Estonian media.”
The KI researchers in the project are Carl Johan Sundberg, Anna Martling, Lina Martinsson and Jessica Norrbom. The project is led by Anna Elam, who owns the LaSpa hotel and who has initiated the translation of Mai-Lis Hellenius' book into English.
The researchers are working pro bono on the health project.
“We see it as an important collaboration and dissemination of knowledge in Estonia,” says Mai-Lis Hellenius.
The next preventive health course will take place in the autumn of 2025.
Try this inspiring recipe from the book. Photo: Bruno Ehrs.