The Many Benefits of the DASH Diet Plan
Originally intended to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension and pre-hypertension, the DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) diet plan has been gaining popularity for its other health benefits as well. In fact, The DASH diet has just been ranked #1 in the ‘Best Diets Overall’ category by the U.S. News and World Report for 2011. Some diet followers have reported 20 to 30 pounds lost and studies are showing reduction of excess weight gain in teenage girls. Here’s a listing of all the great benefits of the low sodium DASH diet plan:
Can help with weight loss and reduce excess weight gain
Can lower blood pressure in 14 days
Can help lower cholesterol
Can reduce insulin resistance (in conjunction with weight loss and exercise)
Can help reduce the risk of stoke and heart disease
Can help the risk of kidney stones
Provides easy to follow health tips and suggested meal plans
If you’re looking for an easy to follow diet that provides a huge positive health impact, this DASH diet should be highly considered.
Other diets that ranked high with the U.S. News and World Report are:
The Mediterranean Diet: Based off Greek eating habits (fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil and etc.); reduces risk of heart disease, boosts cardiovascular health, reduces risk of cancer, and reduces risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) Diets: With doctor guidance, a heart healthy diet and physical activity suggestions are provided. Primary benefits are the boost to one’s cardiovascular health and reduction in cholesterol.
Weight Watchers Diet: Based on a point system catered to each dieter. Easy following and forgiving on occasional treats and is focused on weight loss.
The Mayo Clinc Diet: Follows the theory of eating “a generous amount of healthy foods that contain a small number of calories in a large volume of food.” Promotes life long healthy eating habits, focuses on weight loss and is effective against diabetes
The Volumetrics Diet: Follows the satiety concept, the feeling of fullness. Assists in weight loss and provides against heart disease and diabetes.
