Differences between DASH Eating Plan and 2005 USDA Guidelines

DASH Eating Plan emphasizes on nutrients to manage hypertension, others wise both are comparable in food patters and groups.

Grains

USDA plan calls for at least 50% of intake in whole grains with no emphasis on fiber. DASH Plan calls for almost all whole grains with emphasis on fiber. The serving size equivalence are same.

Vegetables

USDA plan identifies five subgroups of vegetables for weekly intake. DASH Plan emphasizes on Vegetable rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber. The serving size equivalents are same except for vegetable juice. USDA has 1 cup equal to 8 ounce, while DASH ½ cup equals 6 ounce.

Fruits

DASH Plan emphasizes on fruits rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber. The serving size equivalents are same except for fruit juice. USDA has 1 cup equal to 8 ounce, while DASH ½ cup equals 6 ounce.

Dairy

DASH Plan emphasizes on low-fat or fat free foods. The serving size equivalence are same.

Meat, Poultry, Fish, Nuts, Seeds, Legumes

USDA Plan has a single group combining Meat, Poultry, Fish, Nuts, Seeds and Legumes. DASH plan breaks it out into two groups:
1. Meat, poultry, fish
2. Nuts, seeds, legumes
The serving for meat, poultry, and fish group is 3 ounce or 2/3 cup of cooked Legume for DASH. USDA Plan equates one ounce of lean meat to ¼ cup of cooked legume.

Fat and oils

USDA Plan allows 30% of calories from fats and oils. DASH plan limits the fats and oils to 27%.

Sweets

DASH Plan tightly controls the sweet groups. USDA Plan calls it Discretionary Calories and loosely defines as a percentage of total calories.