DASH Eating Plan

Q: What is DASH Eating Plan?

The DASH eating plan helps lower high blood pressure. It recommends eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting salt, bad fats, and sweets. Learn about this heart-healthy eating plan.

Also called: DASH Diet.

What is DASH Eating Plan?

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It is an eating plan that is based on research studies sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). These studies showed that DASH lowers high blood pressure and improves levels of cholesterol. This reduces your risk of getting heart disease. The DASH eating plan: Emphasizes vegetables, fruits, and whole-grains Includes fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils Limits foods that are high in saturated fat. These foods include fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils. Limits sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets Along with DASH, other lifestyle changes can help lower your blood pressure. They include staying at a healthy weight, exercising, and not smoking. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Source: MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NIH) — read the full NIH article.

Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Please see your doctor for diagnosis, and seek urgent care for any severe or sudden symptoms.