The DASH Diet: It may Benefit Your Blood Pressure & More

For years doctors have recommended reducing sodium to help lower your blood pressure. Now they’ve discovered that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products also can lower your blood pressure.

An eating guide called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet may help you prevent or lower high blood pressure. And the diet may also provide other health benefits.

Participants in the study that proved the effectiveness of the DASH diet followed one of three diets:

• A diet that matched the average American diet


• A diet rich in fruits and vegetables


• A combination diet that was reduced in saturated fat and emphasized fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.