For the seventh consecutive year, the Mediterranean diet has been crowned the best overall diet for 2024, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report. This science-backed style of eating also claimed the top spot in several other categories, including easiest diet to follow, best family-friendly diet, best diet for healthy eating, and best diet for diabetes, bone and joint, and heart-healthy eating.
The Mediterranean diet, along with the DASH diet (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) and the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay), emerged as the top three diets for 2024. Notably, all three diets are plant-based and emphasize the consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, and seeds.
One of the significant highlights of the 2024 ratings was the inclusion of the vegan diet, which secured the third position in the best plant-based diets category. Additionally, several newly evaluated diets, including the Dukan diet, Herbalife Nutrition diet, HMR (Health Management Resources) diet, Profile Plan, and Plantstrong (formerly Engine 2) diet, were also featured in the rankings.
Shanley Chien, senior health editor at U.S. News, emphasized the importance of providing accurate and reliable information in the realm of diet and nutrition. She highlighted that the rankings are the result of extensive evaluation by a committee of 43 nutritional experts, aiming to identify diets that offer nutritional completeness, ease of adherence, and long-term promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
What is a Mediterranean style of eating?
Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet can contribute to reducing the risk of various health conditions, including diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia, memory loss, depression, and breast cancer. This eating style, characterized by its emphasis on simple, plant-based cooking and the consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, nuts, and extra-virgin olive oil, has also been associated with stronger bones, a healthier heart, and increased longevity.
The recognition of the Mediterranean diet as the best overall diet for 2024 underscores the enduring appeal and effectiveness of this approach to eating. With its numerous health benefits and the support of scientific research, the Mediterranean diet continues to be a leading choice for individuals seeking to adopt a balanced and sustainable eating pattern.
