6 Diets That Can save Your Life

AmericanHeart Association diet

• Low saturated fats
• Limit sugar intake
• Limit salt intake
• Encourages 4-9 servings fruits/veg. per day
• Encourages 6-8 servings of whole grains per day, legumes, nuts
• Less than 6 oz. Fish, meats and lean poultry daily

DASH Diet

• Low-fat, low salt diet
• Encourages fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish poultry and nuts
• Lowers BP, LDL cholesterol
• Promotes weight loss
• May lower risk of heart attack and stroke in women

Atkin’s Diet

• Low carbohydrate
• High protein and fat intake (good and bad fats)
• Promotes weight loss
• Lowers triglycerides.
• Increases HDL
• Lowers BP
• Questionable long term physical effects

South Beach Diet

• Low carbohydrate (but allows for “good” carbohydrates with low glycemic index
• Includes good fats
• Encourages fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein
• Promotes weight loss
• May help decrease risk for the Metabolic Syndrome

Ornish Diet

• Vegetarian diet
• Extremely low fat, high fiber diet
• Encourages complex carbohydrates
• Incorporates exercise and stress management
• Decreases LDL
• Promotes weight loss
• May decrease angina and plaque development in blood vessels

Mediterranean Diet

• Low fat
• Small portions of high quality foods
• Encourages 7-10 servings of fruits and vegetables/day, olive oil, nuts, red wine, and fish
• Incorporates exercise and healthy lifestyle changes
• Decreases LDL, BP, and blood sugar
• Promotes weight loss
• May help prevent repeat heart attacks/angina