How many servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods can be consumed per day on the DASH diet?

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is designed to help reduce hypertension and includes specific recommendations for food groups, including dairy. The correct recommendation for dairy consumption on the DASH diet is 2 to 3 servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods each day.

These servings contribute important nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which are beneficial for overall health and play a role in maintaining blood pressure levels. The focus is on low-fat or fat-free options to minimize saturated fats, which can adversely affect cardiovascular health.

In the context of the DASH diet, incorporating the right amount of dairy while also balancing other food groups—like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—is essential for achieving its health benefits effectively.