A group of researchers from 5 major medical centers found that eating a specific diet rich in nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy can be a powerful tool in lowering blood pressure.

The DASH DIET( Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) was found in 1996 to lower blood pressure about the same as a blood pressure medication would, and since that time has quickly become one of the most often prescribed diets in clinical practice today.

The DASH Diet is recommended by the American Heart Association, in the USDA's 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and is featured in the US High Blood Pressure Guidelines.

The DASH DIET Study 459 people were chosen to participate in the DASH DIET Study. They were randomly assigned to one of three different types: