What is the DASH diet and its primary health benefit?

• A. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; emphasizes high-fat dairy and large sodium; raises blood pressure.
• B. Diet for Anabolic Sports Training; extreme protein.
• C. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; lowers blood pressure; emphasizes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, and reduced sodium.
• D. Dietary Allowance for Safe Hydration; focuses on water.

Answer: (C)

The DASH diet stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and its main goal is to lower blood pressure by means of a nutrient-rich eating pattern. It emphasizes plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, and whole grains, while reducing sodium and limiting saturated fat. This combination boosts intake of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and fiber, which helps relax blood vessels, improve fluid balance, and ultimately lower blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risk. The other descriptions misstate either what the diet focuses on or its purpose—for example, describing high-fat dairy or high sodium would not promote lower blood pressure, while another option references hydration or a different diet entirely.