Sarah Bush Lincoln Food and Nutrition Services is hosting a free program to provide information on the DASH diet, a heart healthy approach to help treat or prevent high blood pressure. The program will be held at 6:30 pm Tuesday, March 6, in the SBL Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education.
For the eighth consecutive year, U.S. News and World Report ranked the DASH Diet as the “best overall” diet among nearly 40 it reviewed in January 2018. The announcement came just as new research suggests that combining DASH, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, with a low-sodium diet has the potential to lower blood pressure as well as or better than many anti-hypertension medications.
With its focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins, DASH, tied this year for “best overall” diet and was ranked No. 1 in the “healthy eating” and “heart disease prevention” categories. DASH is not a fad diet, but a healthy eating plan that supports long-term lifestyle changes. It is low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods, and includes whole grains, poultry, fish, lean meats, beans, and nuts. It is rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, as well as protein and fiber. However, it calls for a reduction in high fat red meat, sweets, and sugary beverages.
The program will include general dietary guidelines, shopping tips and recipes. Pre-registration is requested by Friday, March 2. For more information or to register, please call Food and Nutrition Services at 258-2130.