The Dash Diet
According to the American Health Association, an estimated 81 million Americans are affected by a least one form of cardiovascular disease. However, there is hope. In November 2011 US News & World Report ranked the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet the "healthiest diet to follow." The DASH diet is a balanced plan that research has demonstrated improved health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. While high blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, cannot be cured, it can be prevented. A common but often overlooked culprit of high blood pressure is salt intake. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) advises less that 2.4 grams (2,400 milligrams) or 1 teaspoon, per day. The DASH diet is a low-salt (sodium) plan that emphasized eating fruits and vegetables, low-fat or no-fat milk products and whole grains. Research has shown that following the DASH diet can lower blood pressure in just 14 da...