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AHA Ranks Popular Diets: Mediterranean, Pescatarian Top, Keto and Paleo Lag

Mediterranean and pescatarian diets lead the pack. Keto and Paleo diets fall short due to high saturated fat content and lack of fiber.

In this picture there are few eatables placed in a plate.
In this picture there are few eatables placed in a plate.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has ranked 10 popular diets based on their adherence to heart-health guidance. The diets were categorized into four tiers, with tier 1 having the highest scores and tier 4 the lowest.

The AHA's top-rated diets include Mediterranean, pescatarian, and vegetarian options, which scored 85 and above. These diets are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, aligning well with the AHA's guidelines. Vegan and low-fat diets also performed well, scoring between 75 and 85, thanks to their focus on plant-based foods and low saturated and trans fat intake.

At the other end of the scale, Paleolithic and very low-carb/Keto diets were placed in tier 4 due to their high saturated fat content and lack of fiber. These diets scored below 55. Very low-fat and low-carb diets also fared poorly, scoring between 55 and 74, due to their low to moderate alignment with heart-healthy guidance.

The AHA's rankings highlight the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats for heart health. Diets high in saturated fats and low in fiber, like Paleolithic and very low-carb/Keto diets, were found to be less suitable. When choosing a diet, it's crucial to consider its impact on overall health, especially heart health.

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