Implement DASH diet to tackle rising hypertension among adolescents, says Hyderabad-based NIN

The Hyderabad-based premier nutritional institution, National Institute of Nutrition has come up with Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan, designed to help manage and potentially even lower the blood pressure

Hyderabad: With HFSS (High in Fat, Salt and Sugar) foods driving hypertension among adolescents, is there any way parents can ensure their children do not fall prey to this chronic ailment and live a longer and healthier life?

The Hyderabad-based premier nutritional institution, National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) has come up with Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan, designed to help manage and potentially even lower the blood pressure.

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The DASH plan essentially promotes the implementation of a balanced diet among individuals of all age groups in a simple and easy way. The eating plan requires no special foods and it is a safe and proven way to reduce hypertension.

So what is this DASH plan?

Essentially, the DASH recommends and encourages people to consume vegetables, fruits and whole grains including fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils.

Similarly, the DASH plan of NIN also urges people to limit foods that are high in saturated fat, fatty meats, full-fat dairy products and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel and palm oils. Some of the other food products that the DASH plan recommends people to consume in limited quantities include sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets like biscuits, juices and cakes etc.

Implementing these suggestions through the DASH diet has the potential to lower blood pressure. By lowering hypertension and cholesterol, the DASH diet can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The DASH diet can contribute to healthy weight management by emphasizing whole foods and limiting high-calorie processed foods. Some of the other benefits of DASH diet include improvements in cholesterol levels, reduced risk of diabetes and promoted overall cardiovascular health.

Some important points of DASH diet:

• Rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber and protein

• Lower in sodium, saturated fats and Trans fats.

• Take food high in fiber, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which manage BP

• Suits Indian cuisine by increase intake of vegetables in curries and whole wheat Atta

• Adopt Jowar, bajra and use legumes and lentils as primary protein sources