DASH diet benefits may be due to phytonutrients The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet was demonstrated in a multicenter clinical trial to be helpful in lowering hypertension and blood lipids, which, when elevated, are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The diet contains low levels of fat and sodium, and desirable amounts of fiber, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which are provided by the inclusion of a greater number of fruits, vegetables and whole grains than the control diet used in the study. The diet also recommends low fat dairy foods and lean meats. In a research brief published in the November 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Marlene M Most, PhD, of Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana suggests that the DASH diet’s benefits might be in part due to the phytochemicals occurring in the plant foods it contains, and that these benefits may go beyond controlling lipids and hypertension. Using US Department of Agriculture food composition databases, Dr Most found that the DASH diet provides higher levels of flavonols, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin, and phytosterols than the control diet. These dietary compounds have been found in numerous studies to be associated with a lower incidence of diseases such as macular degeneration, some cancers, and of course, cardiovascular disease. Dr Most concluded, "It therefore is possible that the health benefits of the DASH diet are partly attributable to the phytochemicals and might extend beyond cardiovascular disease reduction." The protective effects of these phytochemicals may occur through their antioxidant activity and by modifying detoxification enzyme profiles. The compounds may also work by affecting cholesterol and steroid metabolism. Another possible mechanism of action is the reduction of C-reactive protein, which some epidemiologic studies suggest could be accomplished by diets such as the DASH diet. Because these flavonoids, carotenoids and phytosterols have been found to help prevent cardiovascular disease, it is plausible that the DASH diet’s reason for success lies in its high levels of these compounds in addition to the targeted nutrients. Thanks to Life Extension Foundation www.lef.org November 2004 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.