High sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart attack, among other serious health problems. Blood pressure can be unhealthy even of its stays only slightly above the normal level of less than 120/80 mmHg.
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is a dietary approach designed to help treat or prevent a high blood pressure.
Dietary patterns based on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy foods, with reduced saturated and total fat, together with a reduction in dietary sodium, may help in the management of hypertension.
General principles of the DASH Eating Plan:
*Low in saturated fat, cholesterol and total fat
*Emphasizes high in fruits, vegetables and fat-free or low-fat dairy products
*Includes whole grain products
*Includes lean meats, fish and poultry and nuts
*Reduced in lean red meat, sweets and sugared beverages
*Rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium, as well as proteins and fiber
The DASH diet is low in cholesterol; high in dietary fiber, potassium, calcium and magnesium; and moderately high in protein.
The DASH eating plan follows heart healthy guidelines to limit saturated fat and cholesterol.
It focuses on increasing intake of foods rich in nutrients that are expected to lower blood pressure, mainly minerals (such as potassium, calcium and magnesium), protein and fiber.
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)
