What does the DASH diet emphasize and for what purpose is it recommended?

• A. Mediterranean diet; olive oil
• B. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, reduced saturated fat
• C. High-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
• D. Vegan diet excluding all animal products

Answer: (B)

The DASH diet is built around a dietary pattern that favors plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins while keeping saturated fat and sodium limited. This combination supplies nutrients that help relax and widen blood vessels—potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber—without overshooting calories or unhealthy fats. Because of these features, the DASH plan is recommended specifically to prevent and treat hypertension, lowering blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular risk. It’s about a balanced eating pattern rather than a focus on a single nutrient or food group, which is why it’s described as emphasizing fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and reduced saturated fat for the hypertension-related goal.