U.S. News and World Report has shared its annual ranking of the best diets for a person’s health, and the Mediterranean diet came out on top for the seventh year in a row. A team of 43 experts, including nutritionists, doctors and epidemiologists, collaborated on the list.
“Choosing a diet can be tough,” Gretel Schueller, managing editor of health at U.S. News, said in a statement. Each person has unique health considerations and goals, and there are many diets out there to choose from—and it’s hard to know which ones will actually work best for you.”
U.S. News also released an updated ranking of the top 15 heart-healthy diets. The Mediterranean diet coming in at No. 1 on that list as well.
What is the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet, named for its connection to the traditional eating habits of Greece and Italy, is based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and olive oil. While it primarily focuses on plant-based options, fish, seafood, poultry and dairy products are also allowed in moderation. It has been listed as one of the best overall diets for a person’s health for many years now.
The top 15 best diets for a person’s heart health
“These diet plans include heart-healthy foods such as whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat sources of protein, while limiting unhealthy fats—saturated fats and trans fats,” according to U.S. News. “Heart-healthy diets also restrict sodium intake.”
1. Mediterranean Diet
2. DASH Diet
3. Ornish Diet
4. Vegan Diet
5. MIND Diet
6. Flexitarian Diet
7. TLC Diet
8. Mayo Clinic Diet
9. Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet
10. Pritikin Diet
11. Plantstrong Diet
12. South Beach Diet
13. Nutritarian Diet (tie)
13. Volumetrics Diet (tie)
15. Keyto Diet
Comparing 2024’s rankings to 2023
In 2023, the DASH diet topped the publication’s list of the top heart-healthy diets in a bit of an upset. It is No. 2 this time around, followed by the Ornish diet at No. 3.
There are some other noticeable changes compared to 2023. The Weight Watchers diet, Jenny Craig diet and Noom are all gone, for example, and the Plantstrong and Keyto diets both made 2024’s list.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.