Low Sodium "DASH" Diet Ranks 2nd Among Best Diets for 2020

The DASH Diet is widely promoted by health experts in the United States as one of the best overall diets.

After a thorough review of America’s most popular diets, US News and World Report’s 2020 ranking of “best diets” awarded the Mediterranean diet the number one spot, with the DASH and Flexitarian diets following in a tie for second place.¹

Overall, 35 common diets were reviewed² from a panel made up of some of the country’s top nutritionists, dietary consultants, and physicians who specialize in diabetes, heart health, and weight loss.¹ Seven key areas are considered when ranking the diets. To be top-rated in this ranking, a diet had to be easy to follow, nutritionally complete, safe, effective for short-term and long-term weight loss, sustainable, and protective against diabetes and heart disease.²

The DASH Diet, standing for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension,” is widely promoted by health experts in the United States.³ Deemed one of America’s best overall diets, it scored 4.8 out of 5 in terms of healthiness and a 4.1 overall. The fundamentals of the DASH Diet include staying away from saturated fats, full-fat dairy products, tropical oils, sugary beverages, and sweets. Instead, it emphasizes filling up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. These types of foods will help to deliver a diet high in potassium, calcium, protein, and fiber, which are essential in helping to prevent and combat high blood pressure.⁴

Another important component of the DASH diet is capping adult sodium intake at 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day, and eventually achieving no more than 1,500 mg sodium/day—amounts that align with the American Heart Association guidelines.⁵ This often means avoiding prepared and processed foods, such as canned goods or soups, which account for up to 75% of the average sodium intake for American adults.⁵

In order to help Americans achieve their sodium goals, food manufacturers need to continue to aggressively lower the sodium levels in processed food products.

Fortunately, sodium reduction in processed and prepared foods can be achieved with the right ingredients and expertise. At Cargill Salt, we offer a large portfolio of potassium chloride and other sodium reduction ingredients, as well as the knowledge and resources to help food manufacturers successfully formulate these ingredients into their products.

To learn more about Cargill Salt’s sodium reduction portfolio, visit https://www.cargill.com/food-beverage/na/sodium_reduction.

Sources: