DASH to Weight Loss
Specific food goals may help people lose weight.
A recent article in Nutrition & Dietetics, an Australian scientific journal, examines the effectiveness of dietary approaches for weight loss among overweight or obese men. The men were randomly assigned to follow one of two weight loss diets for 12 weeks. The WELL (Weight Loss, Exercise, Lower blood pressure and Longevity) eating plan was based on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan and required subjects to consume a minimum number of daily servings of milk and milk products, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds and legumes.
The second group of participants, assigned to a low-fat diet, was provided general advice on maintaining a healthy diet, but was not given specific daily servings. Results indicated that although both groups lost an average of 5 to 6 percent of their total body weight, the WELL eating plan group consumed more servings of milk and milk products, fruits and vegetables than the low-fat diet group.
By working towards the target for dairy food consumption of 3 servings per day, the WELL eating plan participants increased daily consumption of dairy foods, which enabled them to meet their daily calcium requirements and aided a greater reduction in blood pressure. The authors concluded that dietary advice including specific targets for daily servings of foods may improve the intake of milk and milk products, fruits and vegetables. In addition, researchers state that the WELL eating plan is achievable within a weight loss program and may provide additional cardiovascular benefits.
Booth, A. et al. Dietary Approaches for Weight Loss with Increased Intakes of Fruit, Vegetable and Dairy Products. Nutrition & Dietetics 2008;65: 115-120.
Magnesium from Food Appears More Effective than Supplements for Prevention of High Blood Pressure
Foods rich in magnesium – such as milk, cheese and yogurt – may also help prevent conditions associated with high blood pressure such as preeclampsia and stroke.
A recent review article published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice highlights the health benefits of magnesium, particularly relating to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Most studies indicate that magnesium plays a major role in blood pressure regulation, with the strongest benefit when magnesium is obtained from foods rather than supplements.
Adequate magnesium intake may also help prevent preeclampsia (a serious condition during pregnancy) and stroke, may improve blood lipid profiles and is important for skeletal growth. The author encourages the use of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan – rich in low-fat dairy foods, fruits and vegetables, and supplying an adequate intake of magnesium, potassium and calcium – to benefit blood pressure control, manage weight and reduce chronic disease risk.
Champagne M, et al. Magnesium in Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, Metabolic Syndrome, and Other Conditions: A Review. Nutrition in Clinical Practice 2008;23:142-151.
Americans Are Falling Short on Potassium: Dairy Has What It Takes!
Eating dairy foods can help Americans get the potassium missing in their diets.
In a recent issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers studied data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002 to explore the impact that dairy consumption has on meeting the potassium intake recommendations set by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). For all age groups, the data indicated that a large number of Americans fall short of meeting potassium recommendations; however those who met dairy intake recommendations had average intakes of potassium that were significantly greater than those who did not consume enough dairy foods. The study authors conclude that falling short of recommended intakes of dairy foods may be partly to blame for Americans’ low intakes of potassium. The study highlights the importance of eating more potassium-rich foods emphasized in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines, including low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The researchers also recommend reevaluating the current optional potassium labeling policy in the United States to reflect the health benefits associated with the nutrient.
McGill C., et al. Contribution of Dairy Products to Dietary Potassium Intake in the United States Population. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2008;27:44-50.
Teens: Mom Is Right. Eat Your Veggies and Drink Your Milk.
Your Blood Pressure Will Thank You!
Adolescents with high blood pressure may benefit from the DASH eating plan.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics observed adolescents with elevated blood pressure to examine the effectiveness of two different nutrition interventions aimed at improving dietary intake and blood pressure outcomes. The participants, ages 11 to 18, were randomly assigned to either a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan (diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods) or a routine care intervention. Both interventions included one face-to-face counseling session for each participant with a dietitian and the participant’s parents. The DASH-intervention participants also received phone calls and mailings by trained health professionals and a DASH diet manual that included detailed information on the DASH eating plan guidelines including calorie and serving recommendations. The routine-care intervention participants received an “Eat Right to Lower Blood Pressure” booklet that included general dietary recommendations for reducing blood pressure, but didn’t include specific calorie or serving recommendations. The results showed that following the DASH intervention, which involved consuming more low-fat dairy foods, fruits, potassium and magnesium and less total fat, was more effective than routine care at lowering systolic blood pressure and improving diet quality.
Couch S, et al. The Efficacy of a Clinic-based Behavioral Nutrition Intervention Emphasizing a DASH-Type diet for Adolescents with Elevated Blood Pressure. Journal of Pediatrics 2008;152:494-501.
FAST FACT
Good News: Childhood Obesity Rates May be Leveling Off
Results published in the May Journal of the American Medical Association indicate that the prevalence of obesity among U.S. children and adolescents remained stable over the past few years. Data from a representative sample of 8,165 children and adolescents, obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), was reviewed to estimate the prevalence of high body mass index (BMI) and to examine BMI trends among adolescents. Results revealed that when comparing data from 2003 through 2006, there was no significant change in the prevalence of high BMI for children or adolescents. The authors state that data from 2007 and 2008 are still needed to further examine trends.
Ogden C, et al. High Body Mass Index for Age Among US Children and Adolescents, 2003-2006. Journal of the American Medical Association 2008;299:2401-2405.
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The National Dairy Council® was founded in 1915 and conducts nutrition education and nutrition research programs through national, state and regional Dairy Council organizations, on behalf of America’s dairy farmers.