American

Full of sugary food, red meat and dairy products, the typical American diet is dangerously high in calories and fats, but also high in protein, calcium and iron. To start the day, processed sugary cereals - one cup of Froot Loops contains six teaspoons of sugar and 120 calories - and bacon and eggs are by far the most popular breakfast choices. For the rest of the day, a bottle of Coke and a doughnut ups the sugar quotient further; the cheddar cheese, milk and sirloin steak offer more artery-clogging fats with fruit and vegetables low on the agenda.

Calories: 3,774 a day

Meat: 123kg a year

Fish: 22kg a year

Fruit and vegetables: 46kg a year

Mediterranean

The typical Mediterranean diet takes on a far greener hue than the others, with avocados, lentils, tomatoes, walnuts, houmous and muesli all ensuring our Mediterranean cousins enjoy a far lower morbidity rate from obesity, heart disease and certain cancers than those following the American diet. Olive oil also makes an important appearance. Jeanne Calment, who holds the record for the world's longest confirmed lifespan, attributed her longevity to olive oil, which she would pour all over her food and rub into her skin. The moderate consumption of red wine has also been linked to several beneficial health effects.

Calories: 3,671 a day

Meat: 92kg a year

Fish: 26kg a year

Fruit and vegetables: 298kg a year

Japanese

Fish and vegetables dominate the typical Japanese basket. Oily fish, such as salmon and fresh tuna, provide massive doses of Vitamins A and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Rice takes centre stage, offering a good source of carbohydrate and protein (and a far healthier option than white bread, the American favourite), and the nutritional benefits of staples such as green tea, soy sauce, miso soup and cabbage go a long way to explaining why Japan has one of the longest life expectancies in the world.

Calories: 2,761 a day

Meat: 44kg a year

Fish: 66kg a year

Fruit and vegetables: 162kg a year