DASH Diet vs 5:2 Diet

Total Rating
8.1
out of 10
6.8
out of 10
Metabolic Health
8
Strongly supports blood sugar control, lipid improvement, and reduced inflammation with consistent evidence.
7
Offers moderate improvements in blood sugar and lipid markers but lacks robust evidence for sustained metabolic benefits compared to other dietary patterns.
Micronutrients
8
Provides comprehensive coverage of essential micronutrients with minor bioavailability limitations for some minerals.
7
Provides adequate micronutrient coverage on non-fasting days but risks deficiencies on fasting days without careful planning.
Nutrient Density
8
Balances nutrient-rich plant and animal foods but includes some processed items and less phytonutrient diversity compared to strict plant-based diets.
6
Offers moderate nutrient density with potential for improvement through whole foods and phytonutrient variety.
Overall Health
9
Strongly supports cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and chronic disease prevention with robust scientific backing.
7
Offers moderate benefits for metabolic health and disease risk reduction but lacks robust long-term population data and may pose nutrient gaps if not carefully managed.
Sustainability
8
Balances nutrient density with practical flexibility, supporting long-term adherence without extreme restrictions.
7
Offers moderate flexibility and practicality but may challenge adherence due to fasting days and potential psychological stress.
Lifestyle Fit
8
Balances flexibility with structure, allowing social engagement and routine integration without excessive planning or restriction.
7
Offers moderate flexibility for social and travel scenarios but requires planning for fasting days.
Practicality
9
It offers balanced affordability, widespread food accessibility, and straightforward meal planning with minimal preparation effort.
8
Offers flexibility with minimal cost, accessibility, and preparation effort while allowing normal eating on most days.
Appetite Control
8
Balances protein, fiber, and low-energy-dense foods to enhance satiety and reduce hunger.
7
Balances satiety through moderate protein and fiber intake but may struggle with hunger management on restricted days without careful food choices.
Fat Quality
8
It emphasizes healthy fats and balances omega-3 to omega-6, but may not prioritize high-fat sources as much as other diets.
6
Provides moderate emphasis on healthy fats but lacks structured guidance on omega-3 balance and saturated fat sources.
Fiber Intake
8
Provides adequate fiber diversity from whole foods, supporting gut and metabolic health.
6
Provides variable fiber intake depending on non-fasting day choices, but lacks structured fiber optimization.
Gut Health
8
Significantly enhances gut microbiome diversity and supports metabolic health through fiber-rich plant foods and balanced nutrient intake.
5
Limited support for gut microbiome diversity and digestive health due to restricted fiber and lack of prebiotic/fermented food emphasis.
Hormonal Support
8
Balances macronutrients and micronutrients to support stable insulin, leptin, and cortisol levels, but lacks focused optimization for sex hormones and thyroid function.
7
Moderately supports hormonal balance with intermittent fasting benefits but may elevate cortisol in some individuals.
Macro Balance
7
Provides balanced macronutrients with moderate protein, adequate carbs, and healthy fats but lacks flexibility for diverse goals.
7
Offers flexibility for macro adjustment but lacks structured guidance on optimal ratios for most individuals.
Protein Quality
7
Provides balanced protein sources with adequate amino acids but relies on moderate animal protein and may lack optimal leucine for maximal muscle synthesis.
6
Provides adequate protein on non-fasting days but risks insufficiency on restricted days without deliberate intake management.
Taste
7
Offers balanced flavor variety and adaptability but may lack intense culinary excitement compared to more flexible diets.
7
Offers moderate variety and adaptability but requires careful meal planning to maintain palatability on restricted days.
Body Composition
7
Effectively supports fat loss with moderate lean mass preservation but lacks optimal protein density for maximal muscle retention.
7
Moderately effective for fat loss with reasonable lean mass preservation when protein intake is adequate.
Energy Balance
7
Provides structured portion guidance and satiety-supporting foods but lacks explicit calorie tracking mechanisms for precise energy control.
6
Provides structured calorie control on fasting days but may struggle with satiety, consistency, and flexibility for varied goals.
Lean Mass
6
Provides adequate protein but lacks optimization for muscle preservation during calorie deficits.
7
Moderately supports lean mass retention when protein intake is adequate and energy balance is maintained.
Athletic Support
6
Provides balanced macronutrients and micronutrients but lacks specific athletic performance optimization strategies.
6
May support energy and recovery if well-managed but risks underfueling and nutrient gaps without strict adherence.
Weight Loss
7
Promotes moderate weight loss through balanced calorie intake and satiety from fiber and water-rich foods, but lacks the extreme deficit potential of more restrictive diets.
7
Promotes moderate calorie deficit with flexible eating patterns but lacks robust evidence for sustained fat loss compared to other structured diets.

To discover how we evaluate diets based on Overall Health, Nutrient Density, Practicality, Taste, and other critical parameters, Explore Our Comprehensive Ranking System and detailed methodology. This will help you make informed decisions tailored to your specific goals and needs.