Health officials reveal the best diets to try in 2018

Just in time for the New Year's detox, US health officials have revealed the best and worst diets to choose.

The DASH diet reigns supreme for the eighth year in the row with its emphasis on vegetables and whole grains, and low intake of red meat, sweets, and sugary drinks, according to the annual ranking of 38 diets by the National Institutes of Health.

To receive top ratings a diet must be relatively easy to follow, nutritious, safe, effective for weight loss and protective against diabetes and heart disease, the Daily Mail reports.

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet tied first place with the Mediterranean diet, with the US report saying: "With its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish and other healthy fare, the Mediterranean diet is eminently sensible."

Meanwhile the highly-restrictive keto and Whole30 diets were named the least safe and effective.

"DASH is not a fad diet, but a healthy eating plan that supports long-term lifestyle changes," the authors wrote in the U.S. News & World Report analysis.

BEST: DASH

Designed as an approach to lower hypertension, the 'DASH' eating plan is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins.

In December, Harvard University researchers found the DASH diet is the best cure for high blood pressure - the world's most chronic health condition - and in turn triggers weight loss and improves mental health.

BEST: MEDITERRANEAN

With its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish and other healthy fare, the Mediterranean diet is eminently sensible.

WORST: KETO

The ketogenic diet - favoured by the likes of Halle Berry and Kourtney Kardashian - eliminates carbs, cuts down on most protein, and ramps up one's fat intake.

WORST: WHOLE30

The Whole30 diet involves cutting out sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy, and dairy for 30 days.

This article was first published on dailymail.co.uk and is republished here with permission.