The best diets are healthy eating patterns that emphasize whole, nutrient-rich plant foods and minimize heavily processed foods, such as those high in added sugar and refined grains. There are many ways to approach this eating style to fit within your budget, cultural considerations and food preferences. When you follow a nutritious dietary pattern, you benefit from a range of nutrients that protect your cells from inflammation and oxidative stress, which can cause damage and promote diseases like heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline.
The best diets also include plenty of fiber and other gut-nourishing nutrients. A is involved in proper immune functioning, keeping inflammation in check, absorbing nutrients and regulating other bodily functions. So, a healthy gut is crucial for a healthy mind and body.
Here’s a look at the best diets and their pros and cons. The consistently ranks as the best diet, so it’s probably unsurprising that it tops my list as a registered dietitian. This eating plan is not only backed by extensive research, but it’s also incredibly flexible: There are no concrete rules, and you can customize it to suit many different cultural cuisines.
Based on the traditional diets of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, a centers around , , , , , and heart-healthy as the primary source of fat. Seafood is eaten frequently, at least twice a week, and while chicken and are acceptable on most days, red meat is eaten less often. Dairy .