Interesting Facts About The DASH Diet

Effectively Manage Hypertension

Countless health studies have shown sodium has a significant influence on a patient’s blood pressure. In fact, these studies show one in three Americans suffers from hypertension, often the result of a daily sodium intake of 3,400 milligrams. Even under the standard DASH diet, which meets the Dietary Guidelines for Americans with regards to sodium intake, can effectively lower blood pressure closer to an average level (less than 120/80 mm Hg) within a couple of weeks. It is also worth noting hypertension affects the majority of patients suffering from diabetes, making managing blood pressure a key component in reducing potential complications and improving quality of life with this disease.

Lower LDL Cholesterol

As people age, one of the main focuses when it comes to staying healthy is to lower cholesterol. When doctors say they want a patient to lower their cholesterol, what they mean is to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, otherwise known as bad cholesterol. This harmful cholesterol clogs arteries and increases an individual’s risk of developing heart disease or suffering a heart attack. This is where the DASH diet comes in, since many of the foods it focuses on, such as whole grains, fruits, fish and lean meat, actually have LDL-reducing properties. Specifically, fish contains essential omega-3 fats, which lowers LDL cholesterol. Consuming this type of food is even better than merely avoiding foods, such as red meat, which boosts LDL cholesterol.