For the second year in a row, the DASH Diet has been ranked as the best diet for heart health by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 Best Diets rankings.
The DASH Diet, short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, was developed in part by researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. It also earned the title of the second-best overall diet across all categories.
These rankings are released each January, just as many people are starting new health goals for the year. The 2026 report reviewed 38 popular diets across 21 different categories. The DASH Diet stood out again thanks to its solid scientific backing, flexibility, and balanced approach to nutrition. Unlike many other diets, it doesn’t cut out entire food groups.
The DASH Diet was originally designed to lower blood pressure. It recommends foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in important nutrients like fiber, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It focuses on fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low-fat dairy, whole grains, lean meats, fish, poultry, and nuts. It also limits red meat, sweets, and sugary drinks.
Dr. Catherine Champagne, a professor and dietitian at Pennington Biomedical who helped develop the DASH Diet, said she’s proud to see it at the top of the rankings once again. “For nearly two decades, DASH has helped people lower their blood pressure and reduce their risk of stroke and heart problems. It’s rewarding to see how it continues to improve lives.”
In the 2026 rankings, DASH placed high in multiple categories, including:
– #1 for Best Heart-Healthy Diets
– #1 for Best Diets for High Blood Pressure
– #2 for Best Diets Overall
– #2 for Healthy Eating and Prediabetes
– #3 for High Cholesterol and Easiest Diets to Follow
– #4 for Diabetes, Arthritis, Brain Health, Inflammation, Mental Health, and Fatty Liver
– #5 for Gut Health and Menopause
The DASH Diet was first published in 1997 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Since then, it has been cited around 6,000 times by other scientists and has helped shape clinical guidelines and public health advice across the country.
The 2026 report also highlighted the top health and nutrition trends for the year. One of the biggest trends is the expanded use of GLP-1 medications. Originally used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, these drugs are now being studied for their benefits in other areas such as heart and kidney health, sleep apnea, fertility, arthritis, and even addiction.
Dr. Steven Heymsfield of Pennington Biomedical noted that researchers are moving from just focusing on weight loss to “quality weight loss”—losing more body fat and preserving muscle. He said the broader benefits of GLP-1 medications show how powerful they can be in managing long-term health.
Two other trends for 2026 are the idea of “Food as Medicine” and the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in wearable health technology. Both are major research areas at Pennington Biomedical.
Dr. Jennifer Rood, Interim Senior Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical, said the recognition of the DASH Diet shows how science can improve daily life. “This diet, built on the work of Dr. George Bray, Dr. Donna Ryan, and Dr. Catherine Champagne, has helped shape public health and empower people to make healthier choices.”
U.S. News & World Report bases its diet rankings on expert evaluations from 69 panelists, including doctors, dietitians, chefs, and researchers, in collaboration with The Harris Poll. The recognition of the DASH Diet reflects its lasting impact and importance in helping people live healthier lives.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies that whole grain foods could help increase longevity, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduce cancer death.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about natural coconut sugar that could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness, and whey and soy protein may reduce inflammation in older people.
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