mediterranean dietWhat’s the best diet for overall good health? According to a review by U.S. News & World Report, it’s the DASH Diet Eating Plan.

U.S News reviewed 38 diet plans before choosing DASH again for the third time. Experts ranked it well for being well balanced, safe and having a proven record against some major diseases. And although it was not designed specifically for weight loss, it certainly can be used that way.

Best Diets Overall

1) DASH Diet – “DASH” stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, but it has also been shown to lower the risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes.

With a focus on real foods (including vegetables, fruits, grains and adequate protein) and limiting salt intake, the DASH Diet is well balanced and filling. It’s not just a diet, but a healthy way of eating for your entire life. And it’s safe and effective for all members of your family.

Following this plan may lower your blood pressure in as little as 2 weeks! It’s not difficult, but does take a bit of getting used to. Nothing is absolutely forbidden, so you can indulge your cravings when absolutely necessary, as long as it’s done in moderation.

There’s a lot of positives and not many negatives in this diet plan. It’s highly recommended. For more information, you can visit the DASH Diet website at https://dashdiet.org

2) Mediterranean Diet – This is based on the way people living in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea eat. The basics include: an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and herbs and spices; eating fish and seafood a few times a week; limiting poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt; with sweets and red meat only rarely.

3) MIND Diet – This diet aims to prevent Alzheimer’s disease by combining parts of both the DASH and Mediterranean diets, with a focus on known brain-healthy foods: vegetables (especially green leafy vegetables), nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and wine.

Best Weight-Loss Diets

1) Weight Watchers Diet

2) Jenny Craig Diet (tie)

2) Volumetrics Diet (tie)

These are just a few of the recommendations. Of course, there is no single best diet, since everyone is unique and has different needs. Learn more about the study and other diet plans at U.S. News.