Francesca Biagioli This year too, the ranking of the best diets was published, drawn up by American nutrition experts. In 2025, in first place, for the seventh consecutive year, we find the Mediterranean diet
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The beginning of the year is usually when individuals make new health resolutions, like eating healthy and losing weight. If you need a healthy yet easy-to-follow diet plan, this list might be just what you are searching for.
Each year, U.S. News & World Report publishes its list of the best diets, based on scientific analysis. The lists compare how well different diets perform in a number of areas, including heart health, weight loss, and chronic disease prevention.
A panel of experts in nutrition, medicine, diabetes, heart health, and weight loss evaluates each diet based on its nutritional quality, health risks and benefits, ease of long-term maintenance, and scientific evidence.
The highest-ranked diets in 2025 are given below.
Mediterranean diet
For the seventh consecutive year, the Mediterranean diet has taken the top general diet position. It is chock-full of its numerous health benefits and has been associated with lowered risks for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
High in legumes, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, the classic Mediterranean diet promotes longevity and reduces inflammation. It emphasizes fresh, unprocessed foods and consumption of unsaturated fats and antioxidants.
DASH diet
The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is an excellent choice for individuals who wish to lower blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart.
Developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, this diet is centered on consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat with limited consumption of foods that have high sodium and saturated fat.
Flexitarian diet
Suitable for people who want to eat more plant-based but don’t want to eliminate meat from their diets altogether, the flexitarian diet is defined by its flexibility. It allows for the moderate consumption of meat and fish while it is centered around fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
Experts believe that this diet is particularly beneficial to the heart.
MIND diet
Combining the health aspects of the DASH and Mediterranean diets, the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) was developed with a view to enhancing brain functioning and reducing neurodegenerative disease risk, like Alzheimer’s.
The foods contain loads of antioxidants and brain-strengthening compounds, including leafy greens, berries, and nuts.
Mayo Clinic diet
With a 12-week meal plan, the Mayo Clinic diet encourages consumption of fruits, vegetables, and low-calorie whole grains. The diet program aims to facilitate healthy weight loss and overall well-being through dietary advice alongside functional aids like apps and trackers to aid in tracking progress.
ntlcs diet
TLC diet
TLC diet (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) is specifically designed to lower high levels of cholesterol and enhance cardiovascular health. This focuses on consuming food low in saturated fat and cholesterol, with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes for a healthy heart.
Menopause diet
A diet specifically meant for women entering menopause, this follows dietary recommendations approved by health professionals to ensure that it regulates the hormonal fluctuations and prevents weight gain.
It emphasizes whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and lean proteins and limits sugar, alcohol, and caffeine for better overall health and wellness.
Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet
In an emphasis on reducing inflammation, this diet concentrates on unprocessed foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It promotes consumption of nutrient-dense and fiber-filled foods that combat inflammation and support long-term optimal health.
Volumetrics diet
The Volumetrics diet is based on the idea that eating larger portions of low-calorie foods can increase satiety and help control hunger. This approach is flexible and adaptable, combining nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods to support sustainable weight loss.
Cleveland Clinic diet
The Cleveland Clinic’s app for diet guides the users in the way of healthy nutrition with specific programs for heart wellness and general health. The system gives the users a tool for tracking their diet and exercise, thus enabling them to achieve their health and weight reduction goals in a personalized way.
On the U.S. News & World Report site, you can find in-depth descriptions of every diet, including foods to consume, foods to exclude, and helpful tips on how to maintain them effectively.
But nutritionists emphasize that an optimum diet for each individual hinges on personal needs and medical history. The optimal approach is to choose a meal program that is long-term sustainable and consists of fresh, whole foods and minimizes packaged and processed food.
Source: US News & World Report
