New research shows that not only does the DASH Diet lower blood pressure naturally, but it may also reduce the risk of heart attack.

The DASH diet emphasizes eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, nuts, and fish as opposed to the typical American diet which is full of saturated fats and sweets. For the purpose of this study, 436 hypertensives and borderline hypertensives not currently undergoing treatment ate either according to the DASH guidelines, the typical American diet or the typical American diet plus extra fruits and vegetables. The study utilized the Framingham Heart Study risk equation to determine heart attack risk over 10 years.

At the end of eight weeks, the study found that those on the DASH diet not only lowered their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and their systolic blood pressure , but also reduced their risk of heart attack by 18% compared to those on the typical American diet. Those who ate the typical American diet but added fruits and vegetables also experienced a 11% decreased risk of heart disease versus those who ate the basic American diet.

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