Intro: I’m Asia Chandler and this is Ask a Scientist.  Dr. Allison Brown from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at NIH is here to talk about the science behind diets like the DASH eating plan, which is the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. 

AC: Dr. Brown, you say the DASH eating plan is not a fad; it’s based on science. How does it work? 
 
AB: So the DASH eating plan is flexible, It's balanced. It's easy to follow by focusing on a variety of foods that you can eat. And  you can enjoy plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, lean meats, beans, nuts,  whole grains, as well as low fat dairy. 
 
AC: Will I have to totally change what I eat and cut out foods I love or that are part of my culture? 
 
AB: There are no special foods or hard to follow recipes required, so you can certainly adapt it to your cultural background. 

AC: Is the DASH eating plan effective if I just want to lose weight? 

AB: Related to weight loss, if that's your goal for the new year consuming high fiber and nutrient  
rich foods help you to feel fuller longer. 
 
Outro: For more information about the DASH eating plan visit nhlbi.nih.gov.