2025 best diet wins gold for wellness and disease prevention

Mediterranean Diet Reigns Supreme Again

For health-conscious⁤ eaters, the Mediterranean diet has once​ again been ‍crowned the “best of the best” by U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious annual ranking, persistent by‌ a panel of nutrition experts, places the Mediterranean diet at the top of the list⁢ of the healthiest eating patterns for 2025. ‌

The Mediterranean diet is more than just a diet; it’s a lifestyle that emphasizes fresh,whole ⁣foods and communal dining experiences. “Sign up for ⁤CNN’s ‍Eat,But Better: Mediterranean Style.  ⁣Our eight-part guide ​shows you a ⁣delicious expert-backed eating lifestyle that will boost your health for life” Since 2019, it has consistently earned​ top honors for its focus on consuming fruits, vegetables, grains, olive​ oil, and nuts and seeds. ⁣It promotes shared meals with loved ones and encourages daily physical activity.

This eating plan limits sugary treats and recommends moderate amounts of dairy and​ meat, especially red meat. Fish, especially fatty varieties like sardines, is a staple. the report typically ranks diets from first to 40th place, with the top-ranked diet receiving ⁤the metaphorical gold medal.

Dietary Approaches for 2025: Best Diets Get a Star Rating

The landscape ‌of popular diets is evolving with the release of the 2025 Best Diets report. This year, U.S. News & World Report⁢ has adopted ⁢a new five-star rating system, similar to those used by popular online retailers, to rank various ⁢dietary approaches. This shift aims to provide individuals with a⁢ more personalized and informed experience ⁢when making choices ⁢about their health and eating habits. “Pretty much any product or item you’re looking at ⁣these days seems ‌to‌ get rated on a five-star scale,” says Gretel Schueller, managing⁣ editor of‌ health for⁤ U.S. News & World Report. “We believe this new approach allows people more choice and a more personalized experience as they consider their​ health priorities and eating⁤ goals.” Under this new system,the Mediterranean,DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension),and flexitarian diets have emerged as top contenders,each earning 4-plus stars for ⁣their overall effectiveness,health benefits,and ease of followability. The DASH diet‍ focuses on reducing salt intake⁢ to lower blood pressure,while the flexitarian diet offers a⁣ more flexible approach to vegetarianism,allowing for‍ occasional ⁢meat or poultry consumption. All three diets emphasize plant-based foods​ and recommend limiting refined foods, ultra-processed foods, red meat, and added sugars. The 2025 report also introduces rankings specifically for diets designed to manage‌ chronic conditions like arthritis and diverticulitis.

Navigating Diet Trends: Menopause and the Need‌ for Personalized Nutrition

While various diets continuously emerge‍ claiming to address specific health ⁣conditions, it’s crucial to approach them with a critical eye. ⁣This⁤ is especially true when it comes to menopause, a natural life stage that⁢ often brings about significant hormonal shifts and associated symptoms. Some organizations, like the American Heart Association, endorse ⁢specific diets like‍ the DASH diet for heart health. ⁢This⁣ diet ⁤aligns perfectly with their recommendations for a heart-healthy eating pattern. In fact, U.S. News & ⁢World Report ranked the DASH diet highly for both heart health and blood pressure control. Though, other medical groups advocate for a ⁤more tailored approach to nutrition, emphasizing individual needs over standardized diets. Take the so-called “menopause diet,” which recently ⁣received attention from U.S. News & World Report. “There is no such ‌thing as a ‘menopause diet’,” states Dr. Stephanie Faubion, Director of the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health in Jacksonville, Florida, and Medical‌ Director for the ​Menopause Society. “The onyl diet shown to help with hot flashes is a whole food, plant-based diet low in ⁣oil and high in soy.” Dr.​ Faubion agrees with some ⁢recommendations commonly associated with​ menopause diets,such as avoiding late-night eating. ‍Though,⁣ she voices concerns about commercially promoted menopause​ diets, like those offered by⁢ Nutrisystem. “Personally, as a menopause doctor and⁣ a scientist, I would not suggest my patients rely on a paid diet for menopause,” Dr. Faubion emphasizes.‌ “It doesn’t ⁤help people understand what they should be doing long term but relies on someone to put it in front ‌of them, which ‌isn’t sustainable.”

New Diet Rankings Highlight the Need for Personalized Nutrition

The annual ranking of diets by U.S. News & World Report has just been released, sparking renewed interest in dietary ‌trends and health outcomes. This year’s report features a growing number of diet plans focusing on digestive health and reducing inflammation, particularly for conditions like arthritis and gout. while these ⁤specialized ⁤diets may seem promising, experts caution‌ against relying solely on rankings when making dietary choices. Jill Tyrer, an editor ⁤at the Arthritis Foundation,‍ emphasizes that “There is no single diet for ​arthritis or for gout.” She recommends plant-based diets low in sugar, unhealthy fats, salt, and processed foods, citing‌ the Mediterranean and⁢ DASH diets as good examples. Though, Tyrer stresses that “most people with autoimmune, ‌inflammatory forms of arthritis ‍and many with ⁢gout require medications to ⁤slow ⁣or stop the disease from progressing.” ⁤ Dr. Jesús Luévano Jr., an ​assistant professor ​of ⁣gastroenterology at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, echoes ‌this sentiment.He cautions⁢ individuals with digestive issues against using the rankings to self-diagnose or choose a diet. “My concern is ⁤that people may look at these rankings and then assume⁢ that because it’s done by nutrition experts⁤ it’s the be-all, end-all, and​ therefore don’t have productive conversations with their physicians who can really help ​focus on the best foods for them,” he warns. dr. Luévano, who is also a spokesperson for ‍the American Gastroenterological Association, ‍emphasizes the importance of individual attention. “You have​ to do the homework, such as keeping a food diary of what you’re eating, and then work ⁢with your doctor to decide what might be the best approach for your ‌specific issue,” he advises. Ultimately, while diet rankings can serve as a starting point for exploring different eating patterns, they should not⁢ replace personalized medical guidance. Consulting with a healthcare⁤ professional‍ is crucial for developing a safe and effective⁤ dietary‌ plan ⁣tailored to individual needs and health conditions. ⁣

Best ⁣Diets ⁣for Common​ Digestive Issues

When it comes to managing digestive health, diet plays a crucial role. ⁢Researchers and healthcare professionals frequently enough recommend specific dietary patterns to ⁢alleviate symptoms and improve‍ overall gut​ well-being. The Mediterranean diet,rich⁤ in fruits,vegetables,whole grains,and healthy fats,consistently⁤ receives high marks⁢ for its positive impact on various digestive conditions. Studies ​have shown its effectiveness in managing fatty‌ liver disease, inflammation, and ⁤overall⁢ gut health. It even received a rating of ​3.7 for its potential benefits in ⁤addressing diverticulitis, a condition marked by painful pouches in the large‍ intestine. “For fatty liver and gallbladder⁢ disease,⁣ low-fat diets and the Mediterranean diet are often recommended,” says Dr. Luévano, a registered dietitian. “Diets with leaner ⁤meats and healthier fats have been shown to be beneficial.”

The low FODMAP Diet: A Personalized Approach‌ to IBS

For individuals struggling with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the low FODMAP diet has emerged as a powerful tool. Developed in Australia, this approach focuses ⁤on reducing the intake of fermentable carbohydrates known as FODMAPs. These short-chain carbohydrates can trigger digestive discomfort, including cramping,⁢ pain, ​and diarrhea. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides,Disaccharides,Monosaccharides,and Polyols. These ⁤types of carbs can be poorly absorbed ‌in⁢ the small intestine, leading to fermentation by gut bacteria and the production of excess gas. While the low FODMAP diet can be highly effective, Dr. Luévano emphasizes the⁤ importance of individualized treatment. “Because there are so many subtypes of⁤ IBS, diet should be tailored to each patient. If a ​patient‌ tried to avoid every single‍ item on the most⁢ thorough FODMAP list, they might eliminate common fruits‍ like apples and pears and certain grains​ that might actually‍ be helpful,” he explains. “Careful discussion with a physician ‍and⁢ a registered dietitian ​is essential,” Dr. Luévano adds. “Every patient ​has unique food triggers. we need⁤ to ⁣determine ‍if removing a specific food actually helps alleviate their symptoms.”
## Welcome ‍Back to Healthy Living!



**Today’s Alex Reed is dr. Stephanie⁤ Faubion, Director of the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health and‌ Medical Director for the Menopause Society. Welcome, Dr. Faubion!**



**Dr. Faubion:** Thank you for having me!



**Let’s dive ‌into this exciting ⁣news about the Mediterranean diet topping ⁢the charts again as the best diet for 2025 according to U.S. News &​ World Report.**



**Dr. Faubion:** It’s fantastic to see the Mediterranean diet consistently recognized‌ for its health benefits. It truly is a‍ lifestyle⁣ approach emphasizing fresh, whole foods, communal meals, and daily physical ‍activity.This‍ aligns perfectly ⁢with what⁢ we see as crucial for overall well-being.



​ **The ⁣report highlights the mediterranean diet’s focus on fruits, vegetables, grains, olive oil,⁢ nuts, ⁣and seeds while limiting processed foods, sugary treats, and red meat. this sounds incredibly healthy,but how achievable is this for the average person?**



**Dr. Faubion:** ⁣⁤



it’s definitely achievable. think of it as a way of life, not a restrictive ‌diet. Start by incorporating more plant-based meals, using olive ‍oil for ⁤cooking, and enjoying nuts and​ seeds as snacks. Gradually reduce processed foods ⁤and sugary drinks.​ Remember, every small change adds up!



**With the emergence of various specialized‌ diets targeting‌ specific health concerns, like menopause or digestive issues,⁤ do you think these rankings might encourage self-diagnosis and potentially improper dietary choices?**



**Dr. Faubion:** Absolutely. It’s vital to⁢ remember that these rankings provide a general overview and shouldn’t be ​used for self-diagnosis. Diets like those marketed specifically for menopause​ can be ⁤misleading.⁤



rather, focus on a whole-food, plant-based diet low ‍in oil and rich in soy, which studies have shown to be beneficial​ for managing hot flashes.



**



For someone experiencing menopause symptoms, what are your top recommendations for ⁤dietary changes?**



**Dr. Faubion:** ​



* Focus on ⁢a whole-food, plant-based⁢ diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and soy products.

* Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

* Stay ​hydrated by drinking plenty of​ water.

* Get ‍regular exercise and manage stress through activities​ like yoga or meditation.

* Consult‌ with your doctor⁢ or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.





**



Dr. Faubion,thank you so much for your insightful perspective on these dietary trends and for emphasizing the importance of personalized nutrition.**







‌ **Dr. Faubion:** You’re very welcome. Remember, a healthy‍ lifestyle is about making sustainable changes that work for you.
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