The Mediterranean diet has been ranked as the best overall diet for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report, capturing its fourth consecutive “best of the best” award. The award-winning diet emphasizes a balanced eating lifestyle that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and nuts, while limiting sweets, dairy, and red meat.
The Mediterranean diet has been recognized for its focus on mealtime with family and friends and daily exercise, as well as reducing consumption of processed foods and emphasizing fish intake. The diet also recommends meals away from bedtime.
According to U.S. News & World Report’s new approach to ranking diets, the Mediterranean diet received 4.5 stars, making it the top-ranked overall diet. Other top-rated diets include the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and flexitarian diets, which each earned over 4-star ratings.
The report also includes rankings for specific health conditions such as arthritis, diverticulitis, fatty liver disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. The Mediterranean diet received high ratings in these areas, including 4-plus stars for digestive health and inflammation.
However, experts emphasize that individuals with chronic conditions should consult their physicians before making any significant changes to their diets. Dr. Jesús Luévano Jr., an assistant professor of gastroenterology at Morehouse School of Medicine, advises against relying solely on diet rankings, saying “people may look at these rankings and then assume that because it’s done by nutrition experts it’s the be-all, end-all.”
In place of a single “best” diet, U.S. News & World Report now uses a five-star rating system to provide more personalized recommendations. This approach allows individuals to consider their unique health priorities and eating goals when selecting a diet.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/03/health/2025-best-diet-wellness/index.html