The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) was a research study testing how what we eat effects our blood pressure. A diet reduced in total and saturated fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods was found to significantly lower blood pressure. In participants who had high blood pressure, the DASH diet lowered blood pressure to the same extent as does an blood pressure medicine. The DASH diet can offer an important way to prevent and treat high blood pressure.

Note: If you have high blood pressure and are currently taking blood pressure medicine, do not stop your medicines and start the diet. Talk with your doctor before you stop taking your medicine.

The purpose of this brochure is to provide information about the DASH diet and how to follow it at home. The DASH eating plan shown below is based on 2,000 calories a day. Depending on your caloric needs, your number of daily servings in a food group may vary from those listed. This eating plan from the "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension" (DASH) study is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy foods, and low in saturated and total fat.