The latest edition of the US News & World Report list shows that the Mediterranean diet continues to dominate - taking high positions in several categories.
This year, 38 diets in 21 categories were considered.
The review reflects consumer needs, with new categories evaluating nutrition plans focused on conditions such as gut health, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arthritis, said Shanley Chien, US News editor-in-chief.
One big change: instead of ranking diets numerically, from best to worst, a five-point rating system is now used. This approach takes into account a wider range of health and lifestyle factors in order to give consumers a more personalized insight into different plans, writes N1 Sarajevo.
The best child by category and rating (maximum 5 points):
Overall: Mediterranean (4.8) Commercial diets: Weight Watchers (4.6)
Arthritis: Mediterranean (4.6) Brain Health: MIND Diet (4.7) Diabetes: Mediterranean (4.7) Diverticulitis: Mediterranean (3.7)
Fatty liver: Mediterranean (4.5) Gut health: Mediterranean (4.3) Healthy diet: Mediterranean (4.9) High blood pressure: DASH diet (4.9)
High Cholesterol: Mediterranean (4.7) IBS: Low-FODMAP (4.8) Ulcers: Mediterranean (4.7) Menopause: Menopausal Diet (4.6)
Mental Health: Mediterranean (4.6) Prediabetes: Mediterranean (4.7) Weight Loss: Weight Watchers (4.3) Rapid Weight Loss: Jenny Craig (3.7)
Heart Health: DASH Diet (4.9) Plant-Based Diet: Flexitarian (4.6) Easiest to Follow: Mediterranean (4.7)
Mediterranean diet
It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, healthy fats, fish and poultry, while limiting sweets, red meat and processed foods.
The Mediterranean diet has no strict rules. It is characterized by a wide range of foods, above all vegetables and fruits, and a healthy way of preparing food. Increased fluid (water) intake is one of the characteristics. Regardless of the fact that certain foods are not available throughout the year, slight modifications can be made and adapted to current possibilities. It is precisely for this reason that it is more correct to speak of the Mediterranean way of eating, rather than the Mediterranean diet.
New children on the list
Among the 13 new diets evaluated are: Acid Reflux Diet, AIP Diet, Alkaline Diet, Body Reset, BRAT Diet, Cleveland Clinic Plan, GAPS, Gluten Free Diet, Gout Diet, Low-FODMAP, Low Residue Diet, Menopause Diet and Whole30.
The report is based on the assessments of 69 experts: doctors, dieticians, epidemiologists, chefs and weight loss researchers.
Samantha Cassetti, a nutritionist from New York, says the results are not surprising:
"It's well known that what's good for the heart is good for the brain and the whole body," he explains, adding that the Mediterranean diet is so popular because it scores highly in almost all key health areas.
The flexitarian diet, the best in the category of plant-based diets, shows that a plant-based diet does not have to completely exclude meat. Kaseti recommends that you rely more on plant-based foods and reduce your intake of processed foods and sugar.
How to use these ratings
The report serves as a starting point for anyone looking to improve their nutrition. However, Kaseti advises that you consult your doctor before choosing a diet, especially if you are taking medications for chronic conditions.
The top-rated diets have common characteristics: a focus on whole foods, they don't exclude entire food groups, and they allow occasional treats to avoid feeling deprived.
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