Two Healthy Diets Linked to Better Heart Rate Variability in 7,256 Adults

Could your eating pattern quietly shape how your heart regulates itself? A Scientific Reports analysis of 7,256 adults in the Maastricht Study explored exactly that. Higher adherence to the DASH diet and the Dutch Healthy Diet was linked to higher very-low-frequency heart rate variability power, a marker tied to autonomic function.

The association showed up mainly in people who were not taking beta-blockers, which can blunt heart rate signals. Researchers found no significant associations for time-domain heart rate variability measures after full adjustment. That means the picture is nuanced rather than a simple win for either diet across every measurement taken in the study.

The authors are clear that the cross-sectional design cannot prove these diets improve cardiovascular function. Even so, both patterns emphasise fruits, vegetables and whole foods, which are widely recommended for heart health. Think of it as one more encouraging clue rather than a guarantee, and discuss any major diet changes with a professional.