What’s the best diet for women ages 34-50?

The Archives of Internal Medicine just released a study that followed thousands of women ages 34-50 on the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet for more than 20 years and concluded that adherence to the diet helps stop hypertension and is associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

The study is the largest that shows food can fight heart attack and stroke, says Dr. Nieca Goldberg, New York-based cardiologist and author of “The Complete Guide to Women’s Health” (Ballantine Books, 2008).

Goldberg, national spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s “Go Red” campaign, says the study is evidence “that the natural antioxidants and minerals in food can fight heart attack and stroke.”

Q: What is the DASH diet?

A: The DASH diet includes 7-8 grain servings a day (average ½ cup pasta); 4-5 fruits and 4-5 vegetables; 2-3 dairy (average 1 cup yogurt); and 2 or fewer 3-ounce servings of meat, poultry or fish. People who are vegetarians can rely on legumes, nuts and seeds. And, of course, very little sugar. About 4-5 servings (of 1 teaspoon each) a week.

Q: Do you follow the DASH diet?

A: Most of the time but I’m having a problem thinking about Passover. I want to stay on message and give people the food they expect. Whole-wheat matzo balls just don’t do it.

Jane Glenn Haas writes fo(c) 2008, The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.).

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Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

AP-NY-05-02-08 0824EDT