DASH DIET- A REVIEW ON ITS SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS AND EATING PLAN

Abstract

DASH Diet, the full form is ‘Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension”. This is a non-pharmacological strategy to mitigate the hypertension and its adverse potential complications. It also lowers the risk of developing Obesity, Cancer, Diabetes, Hyper-cholesterolemia. It is an endorsed dietary strategy by American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, US. DASH Diet was originally formulated by National Institute of Health (NIH). It encourages comprehensive intake of nutrient-dense foods along with minimally processed and fresh foods. Foods that are included in DASH Diet are rich in Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium, as well as protein and Dietary Fibres. It limits Sodium intake from 1500-2300 mg/day, sugary beverages and processed foods. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dietary products are essential components of this diet. DASH diet has been considered to be the first-line pharmacologic and therapeutic strategy along with lifestyle modification.