For the sixth year in a row, the Mediterranean diet has been named the best overall diet by nutritional experts from U.S. News & World Report, the company announced.

According to the American Heart Association, the Mediterranean diet emphasizes a variety of nutrients rather than one food group, including olive oil as a primary fat source, fish, fruits, dairy products, eggs, nuts, legumes, whole grains and vegetables, which can help to reduce CVD risk factors.

[Article] Mediterranean diet named best overall diet for sixth straight year Screenshot-2
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The Mediterranean diet also took the top spot in the best diets for healthy eating and best plant-based diets, while finishing second or tied for second in several other categories.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and flexitarian diet tied in second for best overall diets.

A panel of 33 experts ranked 24 diets in 11 different categories, which include ease of compliance, long- and short-term weight loss, effectiveness against diabetes and CVD, safety and nutrition. Experts rated each diet from a score of one to five, with five being the highest.

This year, two new categories were added by U.S. News & World Report: the best diets for bone and joint health and the best family-friendly diets. The top diets for each eating plan in 2023 include:

Best diets overall

Mediterranean diet
DASH diet (tied)
Flexitarian diet (tied)

Best weight-loss diets

Weight Watchers (WW) diet
DASH diet
Mayo clinic diet (tied)
Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet (tied)

SOURCE: Healio