The DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) has been proven in several National Institutes of Health (NIH) research studies to lower blood pressure and cholesterol without medication. It is the diet recommended by the NIH for lowering blood pressure. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends this eating plan for everyone. And the DASH diet forms the basis for the new MyPyramid. The DASH diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, low fat or nonfat dairy, and includes lean meats