In March 2020 researchers from Spain published the results of their study to assess the association between adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and blood pressure in Spanish university students. A total of 244 individuals (aged 18-31 years) who were in good health were involved in the study. Dietary information covering the previous year was collected via a food frequency questionnaire plus a 72-hour food diary, which were used to assess a DASH dietary score. Blood pressure levels were also measured. Results showed that a higher DASH dietary score was associated with a significantly lower average value for systolic blood pressure, abdominal fat rating and waist circumference. The researchers therefore concluded that a stricter adherence to the DASH dietary pattern was associated with lower blood pressure, abdominal fat rating, and waist circumference in these university students, although further research is required to confirm the results.
Navarro-Prado S et al. Stricter Adherence to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and its Association with Lower Blood Pressure, Visceral Fat, and Waist Circumference in University Students. Nutrients. 2020 Mar 11;12(3). pii: E740