There are so many diets we keep on reading about. In the recent times there has been much emphasis on how diets help to control certain health issues. One really common condition which leads to other health complications is hypertension & to control it there is a healthy diet for hypertension which is called the DASH diet. We will understand more about it.
The term DASH in DASH Diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It mainly focuses on reduced sodium/salt intake and encourages intake of foods rich in nutrients like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
DASH diet is recommended for the following reasons:
There are various diets for HTN; however, it is known fact that DASH diet is the most effective. DASH diet includes:
The DASH diet restricts you to have a sodium level of 2300 mg or 1500mg every day in case of those who are at a high risk. For example known patients with hypertension, diabetes, or those who have a history of chronic kidney disease.
The DASH diet plan is based on the following objectives:
DASH diet encourages the following daily nutrient requirement:
Daily Nutrient | Total Count |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 55% of the total calorie count |
Total Fat | 26% of the total calorie count |
Protein | 18% of the total calorie count |
Saturated Fats | 6% of the total calorie count |
Cholesterol | 150mg |
Sodium | 2300mg |
Potassium | 4700mg |
Calcium | 1250mg |
Magnesium | 1250mg |
Fiber | 30gm |
Nourishment groups | Daily Servings | Size of the serving |
---|---|---|
Grains/Grain Products | 7 to 8 servings | 1 whole-wheat bread slice, 1 cup dry cereal, half cup rice (steamed) |
Legumes or Nuts & seeds | 4 - 5 per week | 7 - 8 count of dry fruits, 1 small cup of legumes, 2 - 3 times a day |
Fat/oils | 2 to 3 servings | 1 teaspoon canola/olive/vegetable oil |
Fat-free/low-fat milk/milk products | 2 to 3 servings | 250 ml milk or 1 cup yogurt |
Vegetables | 4 to 5 servings | 1 cup of (raw) green leafy vegetables, half cup (cooked) vegetables, and half cup vegetable juice |
Fruits | Fruits | 1 medium fruit /~200 ml fresh-fruit juice |
Animal protein Lean meat, poultry, and fish | < than 2 | Half cup cooked lean meat, skinless poultry, or fish; a small bowl of pulses |
Sweets | < than 5/week | 1 tsp sugar |