The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet was developed based on several scientific studies conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH).
DASH is recommended by doctors for people who have hypertension or pre-hypertension. Following the DASH diet principles can help you lower your blood pressure, as proven by studies sponsored by the NIH.
DASH is endorsed by several other reputable organizations and institutions as well, such as the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association; 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans; 2011 AHA Treatment Guidelines for Women; and The Mayo Clinic.
The DASH Diet is an eating plan that consists of plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat or non-fat dairy, and whole grains. It's a high fiber, low-to-moderate fat diet plan that's rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Here are the overall pros and cons of the DASH Diet:
Pros
-Not as restrictive on good carbs as other diets like Atkins or South Beach
-#1 rated overall diet by the U.S. News and World Report
-Encourages healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and discourages saturated and trans fats
-Endorsed by credible healthcare organizations in the world
-Encourages exercise as part of a healthy diet
Cons
-Lack of support that other diets have
-Not a weight loss plan for those looking for a "quick fix" solution. As with other diets, it must be adopted as a long-term lifestyle change in order to work
For more information about healthy diets, check out The Healthy Eating Guide
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