5 Diets That Are Supported by Science (2024)

While many diets may work for you, the key is finding one you like and can stick to in the long run.

Here are 5 healthy diets that are scientifically proven to be effective.

1. Low-carb, whole-food diet

The low-carb, whole-food diet is perfect for people who need to lose weight, optimize health, and lower their risk of disease.

It’s flexible, allowing you to fine-tune your carb intake depending on your goals.

This diet is high in vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, fruits, nuts, and fats but low in starches, sugars, and processed foods.

2. Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is an excellent diet that has been thoroughly studied. It’s particularly effective for heart disease prevention.

It emphasizes foods that were commonly eaten around the Mediterranean region during the 20th century and earlier.

As such, it includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, whole grains, legumes, dairy products, and extra virgin olive oil.

3. Paleo diet

The paleo diet is a very popular diet that is effective for weight loss and general health improvement. It’s currently the world’s most popular diet.

It centers on unprocessed foods believed to resemble those available to some of humanity’s paleolithic ancestors.

4. Vegan diet

The vegan diet has become increasingly popular in the past decade. It’s linked to a number of health benefits, including weight loss, improved heart health, and better blood sugar control.

The diet is based exclusively on plant foods and eliminates all animal products.

5. Gluten-free diet

The gluten-free diet is essential for people who are intolerant to gluten, a protein that is found in wheat, rye, and barley.

For optimal health, you should focus on whole foods that are naturally gluten-free. Gluten-free junk food is still junk food.

The bottom line

So many diets exist that it can feel overwhelming to simply find a single one to try.

However, it’s important to note that some eating patterns have more scientific backing than others. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or simply boost your overall health, try to find diets that are supported by research.

The five examples listed above are a good place to start.

5 Diets That Are Supported by Science (2024)

FAQs

What are the 5 balanced diets? ›

A balanced diet contains all of the essential elements that the human body needs. Carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber, and water are all essential components in a well-balanced diet. A nutritious, well-balanced diet lowers the risk of disease and enhances general health.

What are the 5 categories of diet? ›

What are the five food groups?
  • Fruit and vegetables.
  • Starchy food.
  • Dairy.
  • Protein.
  • Fat.

What is the healthiest diet backed by science? ›

Studies have found the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia, memory loss, depression and breast cancer. The meal plan, which is more of an eating style than a restricted diet, has also been linked to stronger bones, a healthier heart and longer life.

What are the 5 groups of balanced diet? ›

Enjoy food from each of the five food groups and you'll be getting a fantastic mix of the best nutrients and vitamins.
  • 1 Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates give you energy, calcium and B vitamins. ...
  • 2 Protein. ...
  • 3 Dairy products. ...
  • 4 Fruit and vegetables. ...
  • 5 Fats and sugars.

What is the 5 diet? ›

The 5 Factor Diet is a diet and exercise program. It emphasizes regular physical activity and eating small, frequent meals consisting of high fiber foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low GI carbohydrates. For some people, the plan may be effective for short-term weight loss.

What is the 5 group diet? ›

As the MyPlate icon shows, the five food groups are Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein Foods, and Dairy.

What is the 5 by 5 diet? ›

Unlike the 5:2 diet which involves eating normally for five days and fasting for two, the 5:5:5 diet is about eating five small meals every single day. According to UK nutritionist Angela Dowden, creator of the diet, it can help users lose up to five pounds in a fortnight.

What is the rule of 5 diet? ›

Here's how the 5:1 rule works. Simply look at the ratio of grams of carbohydrates to grams of dietary fibre. Divide the carbohydrates by the dietary fibre. You want a 5:1 ratio or less.

What are the 5 main diet related diseases? ›

These diseases are largely avoidable and can often be prevented through the adoption of a healthy diet and lifestyle. The World Health Organization lists diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and dental disease as major diet-‐related diseases.

Why is Science Diet better? ›

Hill's combines nutrient-rich, high quality ingredients to create balanced foods that have been trusted and recommended by veterinarians for more than 60 years-- just one of the reasons that Hill's Science Diet is the #1 veterinarian recommended dog food over any other brand.

What does science say you should eat? ›

The more veggies — and the greater the variety — the better. Potatoes and French fries don't count. Choose fish, poultry, beans, and nuts; limit red meat and cheese; avoid bacon, cold cuts, and other processed meats. Eat a variety of whole grains (like whole-wheat bread, whole-grain pasta, and brown rice).

What is the science related to diet? ›

Nutritional science (also nutrition science, sometimes short nutrition, dated trophology) is the science that studies the physiological process of nutrition (primarily human nutrition), interpreting the nutrients and other substances in food in relation to maintenance, growth, reproduction, health and disease of an ...

What are the 5 sources of balanced diet? ›

The 5 food groups are:
  • vegetables and legumes (beans)
  • fruit.
  • grains and cereals.
  • lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes (beans), tofu, nuts, seeds.
  • milk, cheese, yoghurt or alternatives.

What meal has all 5 food groups? ›

These Hawaiian kabobs are a fun example of how to create a balanced meal and include foods from all five major food groups. Chicken is the protein, pineapple is the fruit, peppers and tomatoes are the vegetable, rice is the grain, and milk to drink is the dairy. Combining everything all together is the fun part.

What are all 4 diet categories? ›

The four main food groups in a balanced diet are:
  • Fruits and Vegetables.
  • Meats and Proteins.
  • Dairy.
  • Grains.
Jun 16, 2020

What is the number one healthiest diet? ›

“It's not surprising that the Mediterranean diet ranked number one,” says Jackie Newgent , a registered dietitian, Forbes Health Advisory Board member and panelist for our best diets ranking. “First, it's not a 'diet' as we have come to think of diets; it's a lifestyle.

What are the 7 things you need in a balanced diet? ›

By having an idea of the balance in your diet, it should be easier to enjoy food and be healthy. There are seven essential factors for a balanced diet: carbs, protein, fat, fibre, vitamins, minerals and water. The rough percentage of daily calories that should come from each factor is shown in Table 10.

What is balance diet basic 5? ›

The five components of a balanced diet include vegetables, fruit, protein, dairy, and healthy fats.

What is the best balanced diet to eat? ›

eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day (see 5 A Day) base meals on higher fibre starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta. have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks) eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein.

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