Health Benefits Of the DASH Diet

The DASH diet is named after its creators, the National Institutes of Health. It is a dietary pattern that includes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains. The acronym means Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The goal of the diet is to lower blood pressure by reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake.

Health benefits of the DASH diet

1. Lower blood pressure

The ideal DASH diet is low in salt and very high in potassium. The DASH diet is designed to be “heart healthy” by lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of heart disease. The DASH diet is also designed to lower the risk of stroke and improve overall health.

2. Lower blood cholesterol levels

The DASH diet includes foods that are low in fat and cholesterol, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and certain dairy products. Eating such foods can help to lower your blood cholesterol levels.

3. Eating healthy foods

The DASH diet is a good way to eat for people who want to control their overall weight and live a healthy lifestyle. It emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. These foods tend to be healthier than other foods.

4. Wide variety of food choices

The DASH diet doesn’t restrict the number of calories you eat or how much food you eat each day; it just suggests that you focus on eating healthier food choices.

Included in the DASH diet are low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, reduced-fat cheese, and lower-fat meats.

5. Can help you lose weight

Eating a healthy diet that is high in fiber and other nutrients may help you to lose weight. The DASH diet is designed to encourage people to eat more fruits and vegetables, which may cause them to eat less of other foods.

6. Help reduce your risk of heart disease

Longer life expectancy coupled with increasing obesity rates has made heart disease one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The DASH diet can help you reduce your risk of developing heart disease by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The DASH diet is a healthy diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, high in fiber, and satisfies the daily recommended intake of nutrients. It can be beneficial for people who want to lower their risk of heart disease, maintain a healthy weight or help them to lose weight.