Some of the most important health benefits of the DASH
diet include its ability to lower blood pressure, aid in weight loss efforts,
boost heart health,
prevent certain cancers, slow the progress of osteoporosis, protect your kidneys, and help
you to avoid diabetes.
The DASH Diet
There seem to be a great number of diets and fads out
there that promise to deliver a wide range of health benefits, and while many
of them are unproven, the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
has drawn quite a bit of attention and popularity, as well as sponsorship from
the American Heart Association and the US Guidelines for the treatment of high
blood pressure. Essentially, the DASH Diet was originally conceived as a
way to lower blood pressure (hypertension), but has since been recognized as
being beneficial for a wide array of health concerns. The diet is based on
consuming a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, protein, nuts, beans, seeds, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats.
Initially, the diet
included a number of starchy foods that were considered “empty”
carbohydrates, but the diet has been updated since then, and has proven to have even better results,
replacing those empty carbs with foods rich in protein and good fats. The
diet is also high in fiber foods and provides the proper balance
between sodium, vitamins, and minerals to improve hypertension in the body.
Given the wide popularity of the DASH Diet, perhaps we should see why it has
received so much attention. Let’s take a closer look at the many health
benefits of the DASH Diet.
Health Benefits Of The
DASH Diet
Lower Blood Pressure:
Weight Loss Efforts: Although the diet wasn’t designed for weight loss, that is certainly one of the
side effects, namely because of the elimination of empty carbs, which provide
empty calories and increase glucose instability within the body, which can lead
to diabetes. By focusing on vegetables, fruits, protein, and heart-healthy
fats, you can quell your hunger, reduce caloric intake, and cut back on
obesity.
Heart Health: The reason that blood pressure is
so dangerous is due to its impact on the heart. By putting excess strain on the
blood vessels and arteries of the cardiovascular system, high blood pressure
can significantly increase your chances of strokes and heart attacks.
Furthermore, the high-fiber diet and balanced cholesterol levels will cut down on plaque build-up in
the heart, which lowers the chances of heart disease and other complications in
that vital organ system.
Osteoporosis: The composition of the DASH Diet
means a high content of calcium, protein, and potassium, all of which are
essential for preventing or slowing the onset of osteoporosis. By helping to build strong
bones, the food of the DASH Diet, such as milk, lean proteins, grains, leafy
vegetables, and fruits, all contribute to the large concentration of these nutrients. If you want to
build strong bones while also reaping all these other benefits, then subscribing
to the DASH Diet is a very good idea.
Kidney Health: The DASH Diet has been directly
linked to the prevention of kidney stones, which can be very painful and
compromise the proper function of the organ. The composition of the diet
prevents the excess deposits of minerals that lead to
kidney stones. High sodium intake is also a common factor that leads to kidney
failure, as it can dehydrate the body and overwork the kidneys. The National
Kidney Foundation has stated the potential value of the DASH Diet for those at
high risk of kidney failure. However, if you already suffer from a chronic kidney disease, you require
a more controlled diet, and should speak with your doctor before adoption any
new diet.
Cancer Prevention: One of the other side benefits of
the DASH Diet is its undeniable impact on certain cancers.
The high content of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains means a high
concentration of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can prevent the
impact of free radicals – the byproducts of cellular respiration that can cause
mutation in healthy cells and lead to the spread of cancer.
Avoid Diabetes: By eliminating the empty
carbohydrates and starchy foods from your diet, as in the revised version of
the DASH Diet, you can avoid the simple sugars that the
body can easily absorb and send into the bloodstream. This can mess with the
body’s glucose and insulin levels, which can lead to diabetes, in some cases.
Diabetes is a precursor of everything from obesity and cancer
to heart disease.
A Final Word of Warning: If you suffer from a chronic
disease, it is important to speak with your medical professional or a
nutritionist before making any drastic changes to your diet. Nutrition is a key
factor for all health concerns, but changing your diet can be disastrous unless
done carefully.
What do you think?
·
Robert
BigDaddy Ulvberget
Milk is proven to give osteoporosis, not prevent it. A
health vegan diet is superior to any.
·
Ari
BenDavid
For osteoporosis, Vitamin K2, which is in green leafy
vegetables or in supplement form, is reported to be important.
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