The DASH diet got number 1 ratings by US News & World Report, followed by the Mediterranean diet - for overall benefits. If your aim is simply to lose some weight, then Weight Watchers is the winner, followed by the Raw Food Diet.

People diet for various reasons, perhaps vanity, to simply lose weight, as part of treatment for a medical condition, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), or hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), or to improve athletic performance.

The DASH diet scored (out of 5): Overall - 4 Weight loss (short-term) - 3.5 Weight loss (long-term) - 3 Easy to follow - 3 Nutrition - 4.7 Safety - 5 For Diabetes - 3.5 For Heart Health - 4.3 The DASH diet had the following: PROS: Heart healthy. Nutritionally sound CONS: Lots of grunt work. Rather expensive About DASH eating plan DASH was developed by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). It stands for the "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension" eating plan, and includes among other things, lowering your salt and sodium intake.

The NHLBI informs that over 65 million American adults suffer from high blood pressure, i.e. 1 in every 3 people. It defines hypertension, or high blood pressure as anything higher than 140/90 mmHg. Those with blood pressure readings between 120/80 to 140/89 mmHg have pre-hypertension.

According to DASH literature, hypertension can be prevented if you follow a healthy eating plan, such as DASH, keep your body weight within healthy limits, take part in regular physical exercise, consume alcohol in moderation or not at all, and follow your doctor's instructions regarding medications if you already have high blood pressure.

The DASH eating plan is rich in the following foods: Fruits Vegetables Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products Whole grains Fish Poultry Beans Seeds Nuts Foods containing potassium, magnesium, and calcium, protein, and fiber It contains less (than the typical American diet): Added sugars Fats, including trans fats and saturated fats Red meats Salt and sodium Sugar-containing beverages Sweets Click here for more details on the DASH eating plan.

According to US News & World Report, the best 10 diets overall were: 1. DASH diet
=2. Mediterranean diet
=2. TCL (Therapeutic Lifestyle Diet)
=2. Weight Watchers Diet
=5. Mayo Clinic Diet
=5. Volumetrics Diet
7. Jenny Craig Diet
8. Ornish Diet
9. Vegetarian Diet
10. Slim-Fast Diet
11. Nutrisystem Diet
12. Vegan Diet
13. South Beach Diet
=14. Eco-Atkins Diet
=14. Zone Diet
=16. Glycemic Index Diet
=16. Medifast Diet
18. Raw Food Diet
19. Atkins Diet
20. Paleo Diet
"Best Diets Overall"
"Best Weight-Loss Diets"
"Best Diabetes Diets"
"Best Heart Healthy Diets"
"Best Commercial Diet Plans"