What type of dietary approach does the "DASH" acronym emphasize?

• A. Healthy eating
• B. Low-fat diets
• C. Low-sodium diets
• D. High-protein diets

Answer: (C)

The DASH acronym stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. This dietary approach primarily emphasizes the reduction of sodium intake, which is crucial for managing blood pressure levels. By encouraging lower sodium consumption, the DASH diet promotes heart health and can help in reducing hypertension. In addition to focusing on low sodium, the DASH diet also recommends a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded approach to overall healthy eating.

While other dietary approaches focus on specific aspects such as fat or protein content, the key characteristic of the DASH diet is its focus on controlling sodium intake to improve cardiovascular health and combat high blood pressure.