American doctors have revealed a new diet which is supposed to cut the risk of cardiac disease by a fifth if followed daily.

The ‘Dash’ diet – Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (hypertension is another name for high blood pressure) – is rich in fruit and veg and focuses on low-fat dairy products, wholegrains, nuts, poultry and fish.

Dishes on the diet include a smoked salmon salad, pumpkin pie and sweetcorn and red pepper fritatta.

The wholegrain aspect is necessary to provide fibre, which apparently mixes with cholesterol in the system and helps expel it from the body.

Whereas fish, poultry and nuts contain omega 3, which helps prevent ‘furring-up’ of the arteries … often the cause of heart disease.

Dr Marilyn Glenville, a leading nutritionist, said: “Cholesterol causes a problem when it oxidises in the body and the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables prevent that from happening.

“People should try to eat as many different colours as possible.”

Studies were carried out on men and women deemed to be at risk of high blood pressure.

One third were fed a high-fat, low-mineral diet and another ate a similar diet but incorporated the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

The third followed the Dash diet and results showed it to be twice as effective as a five-a-day approach.

Those who followed the Dash approach were found to have an 18% less chance of heart problems.

Researcher Dr. Nisa Maruthur said: “This study provides further evidence that we can make a significant impact on the health of the general population by promoting the Dash eating plan.

“This is not a diet that is difficult to maintain. It includes all types of foods.”

Although it appears healthier than the average fad diet, such as the low-carb Atkins, we wondered what the people of Glasgow thought, so we asked: Do diets ever work … or do they just send you dashing to the fridge in the long run?

Faddy foods are off the menu but exercise and restraint will work

SHAUN MARRINAN, 23, student, Riddrie, Glasgow: “I’ve been on one before … they don’t work.”

DARREN MURPHY, 29, dancer, Muirhead: “I used to be over 20st. I lost weight but it’s all about the exercise.”

JAMIE LOW, 21, car insurance worker, Muirhead: “Diets are drastic – and bad for you – but I understand why people do them.”

LAURA PERRY, 20, body piercer, City Centre: “Kate Moss said nothing tastes as good as skinny feels. she’s obviously never had a kebab. Diets don’t work.”

SEANA FORBES, 19, student, Glasgow’s West End: “I lost weight on a no-carb diet. I lacked energy but it worked and was worth it.”

EVELYN DODD, 23, cleaner, St George’s Cross, Glasgow: “I’ve never tried a fad diet. I’m happy with my body.”

ALANAH HALCORN, 18, housewife, Possilpark, Glasgow: “They’re all rubbish and hard to stick to.”

EMMA HUTCHISON, 18, bank clerk, Crookston, Glasgow: “Steer clear of rubbish and eat healthy. It’s the only way.”