DASH Diet Maintains Top Ranking for Heart Health in 2026 U.S. News Rankings

For the second consecutive year, the DASH Diet remains the gold standard in heart-healthy eating patterns, outpacing 38 other diets in this year’s U.S. News rankings.

Developed by scientists at Pennington Biomedical, the diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while limiting saturated fat and sodium. It has been cited approximately 6,000 times since its 1997 debut in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The 2026 report ranks the DASH Diet first in Best Diets for High Blood Pressure and Best Heart Healthy Diets, placing it second overall for general health.

Researchers like Dr. Catherine Champagne and Dr. Jennifer Rood have highlighted its role in translating scientific findings into practical dietary guidelines for chronic disease prevention.

Dr. Catherine Champagne said:

"I am proud to once again see the DASH Diet ranked as the top healthy eating pattern for high blood pressure, and the second-best diet overall for general health."

Dr. Jennifer Rood added:

"The success of the DASH Diet shows how Pennington Biomedical research moves from the lab into everyday life, improving how people eat, manage blood pressure, and reduce their risk of chronic disease."

While the 2026 report highlights trends like the 'Expanded Use of GLP-1s' and 'Food as Medicine,' the DASH Diet remains a foundational example of evidence-based dietary guidelines. The rankings are based on expert evaluations and nutritional criteria, not clinical trials or direct medical advice.

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