Mediterranean, DASH Remain Supreme Among Other Dietary Regimens

In its yearly review examining evidence-based diets that promote positive health outcomes, US News & World Report named the Mediterranean as the best overall diet heading into 2025.¹ With the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) at the second spot,² diets rich in high-fiber carbohydrates are essential to healthy outcomes.

“The best diets aren’t just about quick weight loss. These diets also provide the nutrients your body needs. Evidence has proven these diets to be effective at lowering your risk for diseases like heart disease and cancer,” wrote Johna Burdeos, RD, LD,for US News & World Report.¹

READ MORE: Despite Benefits, Mediterranean Diet Adherence in RA Remains Low | ACR Convergence

With the Mediterranean and DASH diets representing the 2 most nutritious diets heading into 2025, it makes sense that the report’s third most recommended diet is MIND: Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay.² Owing to a slew of dietary supplements beneficial to weight-loss and overall health, these 3 diets focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and seeds.

“The best overall diets include a variety of nutrient-dense foods that provide essential carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. These diets are evidenced-based, promote health benefits, reduce disease risks, and focus on high-fiber, nutrient-rich, and antioxidant-packed foods,” continued Burdeos.¹

When it comes to nutritional health, which can impact almost every part of the body, carbohydrates serve as the key source of energy for all humans. For a healthy approach to eating, patients should focus on high-fiber carbohydrates. “Fiber encourages bowel health, lowers cholesterol, and controls blood sugar. Fiber also helps you feel full, which can aid in weight management.”

Whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are the prime examples of foods high in fiber. However, owing to their significant value regarding nutritional health, these foods are also promoted to give the body other necessary nutrients, such as vitamins, iron, and potassium.

While both the Mediterranean and DASH diets establish an immense focus on high-fiber carbs, protein is another essential pillar of each diet’s success. Since protein is utilized to maintain bone, muscle, and skin health, it is essential to many dietary regimens. And while protein is readily available in various meats, chicken, and eggs, nutrition experts believe “the best overall diets emphasize various protein sources, including seafood and plant-based proteins such as beans and soy foods.”¹

The 2 most recommended diets are so popular because of the way they incorporate various nutritional foods and supplements to cover several of the body’s necessary functions. However, these long-running, expert-recommended diets are not solely designed to maintain patients’ health, rather they are established so patients are able to decrease their long-term health risks in the future.

“For example, high-fiber diets improve gut health and regularity, which reduces your risk of colon cancer and diverticular disease. Soluble fiber, specifically, can lower cholesterol levels. High-fiber diets are also linked to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Diets that boast plentiful high-fiber foods are also linked with better immune function,” wrote Burdeos.¹

As these diets continue to show more health benefits for the patients who take advantage of them, it’s important for providers and their patients to understand these benefits. From the success of the Mediterranean and DASH diets to the overall importance of nutrition in patients’ everyday lifestyles, health care professionals like physicians and pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help individuals achieve their dietary goals.

“The world of diet and nutrition can be overwhelming and filled with misinformation and inaccurate health claims,” concluded Senior Health Editor at US News & World Report Shanley Chien.¹ “That’s why US News does the legwork for its users, gathering input from nationally recognized medical and nutrition experts to determine which diets rise to the top for nutritional completeness, ease of following, and promoting a healthy lifestyle for the long term.”

READ MORE: Digestive Health Resource Center

Pharmacy practice is always changing. Stay ahead of the curve: Sign up for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips, straight to your inbox.

References

1. Burdeos J. Best diets overall. US News & World Report. January 3, 2025. Accessed January 3, 2025. https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-diets-overall

2. LaMotte S. Best diet for 2024 goes to a science-backed style of eating. CNN. January 3, 2024. Accessed January 6, 2025. https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/03/health/best-diet-2024-wellness/index.html