Which food group has the largest number of servings recommended daily in the DASH diet?

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet emphasizes a balanced intake of various food groups to help manage blood pressure. Among the food groups recommended in the DASH diet, grains and grain products indeed have the highest number of recommended daily servings.

Grains, particularly whole grains, are a significant source of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for heart health and can help regulate blood pressure. The DASH diet typically recommends about 6 to 8 servings of grains daily, such as whole grain bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. This higher emphasis on grains supports adequate carbohydrate intake, essential nutrients, and overall energy levels, while also being lower in fat and cholesterol.

In contrast, while the other food groups—fruits, vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free dairy—are also crucial components of the DASH diet and contribute to its effectiveness, they have fewer daily servings recommended compared to grains. Fruits and vegetables are recommended for their vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants but focus more on quantity than serving count. Dairy provides calcium and vitamin D but is limited in servings to lower saturated fat intake. Understanding the emphasis placed on grains helps illustrate the DASH diet's comprehensive approach to reduce hypertension through balanced nutrition.