You probably heard of the DASH diet if you have high blood pressure. However, if you are among those who haven’t and are curious about what it is, we recommend that you read this article thoroughly, as there are many health benefits of the DASH diet.

What Exactly Is The DASH Diet?

By reducing blood pressure and bad, or LDL, cholesterol, the DASH diet, which emphasizes whole foods and low sodium, aims to improve heart health. A typical DASH diet advises keeping track of your serving sizes and reducing your intake of sodium and alcohol.

A typical DASH Diet day would include the following foods:

• Six to eight-grain servings
• Less than six meat, poultry, or fish servings
• Four to five vegetable servings
• Four to five fruit servings
• 2–3 servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy
• Two to three tablespoons of fats and oils
• A person shouldn’t consume more sodium than 2,300 milligrams per day.
• Men should consume no more than two drinks per day.

DASH Diet Plan Health Advantages:

A DASH diet is linked to other potential health advantages besides the potential to lower blood pressure, such as decreased levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol. A DASH diet meal plan also resembles suggested dietary approaches for weight loss, and reduced risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease because it is based on healthy eating habits and emphasizes wholesome food choices and portion control.

DASH-Friendly Foods

The DASH diet emphasizes eating heart-healthy foods found in your local grocery store. These foods are high in fiber, magnesium, potassium, and calcium by nature. They also contain little sodium.

If you follow the DASH diet, you’ll consume a lot of:

• Fruits.
• Vegetables.
• Grains that are whole.
• Legumes, nuts, and seeds
• Dairy with low fat.

Foods To Avoid When Using DASH

DASH also advises limiting foods that can make your blood pressure go up. DASH Diet food list to avoid includes: 

• Fatty meats, such as skin-on poultry and red meat.
• Products with added fat, like cream, butter, and whole milk.
• Oils that, like coconut and palm oils, are solid at room temperature.
• Foods are high in sugar, such as sweets, baked goods, and desserts.
• Drinks with a lot of sugar, like soda, juice, and sweetened coffee or tea.

You don’t have to give up these foods if you follow the DASH protocol, according to Patton. Instead, make daily efforts to make healthier decisions. It will be simpler to follow the plan. For instance, think about substituting a meatless option for a meat entrée once a week. The majority of Americans consume more meat than is necessary, which depletes their vegetable intake. DASH advises limiting daily meat intake to 6 ounces or less. Consume more fruits and vegetables, which are rich in fiber, nutrients, and disease-fighting antioxidants, in their place.

DASH Diet To Lose Weight

You’ll probably lose weight if you stick to the DASH diet. If you want to lose more weight, combine the DASH diet with calorie restriction. Learn how many calories you should consume based on your age and level of activity. Keep an eye on your caloric intake and gradually reduce it. But Patton advises against taking things too far. You might experience hunger and fatigue if you attempt to drastically reduce your calorie intake, she warns. Speak with your healthcare provider if you need assistance developing your weight loss plan. Your doctor can offer advice or refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist to get you started.

Meal Planning For The DASH Diet

Everybody’s DASH diet meal plan will be unique. According to Patton, the secret is to prioritize healthy foods while avoiding unhealthy ones. Put whole foods and low-sodium packaged, canned, or boxed options in your grocery cart. For instance, instant oatmeal packets have sodium added, whereas original or quick-cook oats in the canister have zero milligrams. Beans are an essential component of the DASH diet. Canned beans are a good substitute for dry beans if you need more time to prepare them. 

However, search for salt-free varieties and make sure to rinse them. Build your meals around foods you enjoy that are DASH-compliant. Do you dislike green peppers? Instead, try red peppers, celery, or carrots. Make your favorite stir fry, but use less salt, more vegetables, and whole-grain brown rice instead of white rice.

Is There Any Danger In Following The DASH Diet?

It may be difficult to do both on DASH if you want to build muscle or train for endurance events. The eating plan may underestimate calorie requirements, causing you to fall short of your goals. And, as with any diet, if you have a history of eating disorders or disordered eating, you should seek the advice of a clinician before beginning DASH.

In A Crux:

The original goal of the dash diet was to lower blood pressure levels in people. It was discovered to be equally effective as the first medication given to individuals at high risk for hypertension. Choosing this diet is a healthy way to get enough nutrition and maintain your well-being because it encourages the consumption of whole foods and encourages you to reduce high-sugar, high-starch, and high-fat foods.