For fourth year in row, the Mediterranean diet received “best #1 overall diet for 2021” ranking in by U.S. News & World Report. Like For the “#2 best overall diet” spots DASH diet and the Flexitarian diet were tied similar to the last year ranking.

How a panel of health experts ranks the best diet every year and additional information about the Mediterranean diet plan is described in a previous year post.

We’ve convened a panel of 24 experts who live and breathe diet, weight loss and obesity. They score each diet on a number of different measures: how easy it is to follow, how likely it is to lead to long-term weight loss, how healthful and safe it is, and how effective it is at preventing or managing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Angela Haupt, managing editor of health at U.S. News & World Report (source: CNN)

“To judge the diets, a panel of experts in heart disease and diabetes, nutrition, diet, food psychology and obesity reviewed research about the diets from medical journals, government reports and other resources,” writes Sandee LaMotte in CNN Health.

• Mediterranean diet named best diet for 2021
• Best Diet – US News & World News Ranking

According to CNN Health reporting, the Mediterranean diet also amassed additional top spot in the best plant-based diet category based on the analysis of 39 eating plans. “Numerous studies have found the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia, memory loss, depression and breast cancer. Meals from the sunny Mediterranean region have also been linked to stronger bones, a healthier heart and longer life“.

Rahaf Al Bochi, a registered dietitian based in Atlanta, Georgia told in a CNN interview that practicing the Mediterranean diet is “It’s more than a diet, it’s a lifestyle. It also encourages eating with friends and family, socializing over meals, mindfully eating your favorite foods, as well as mindful movement and exercise for a complete healthy lifestyle.”