Portfolio Diet Reduces Cholesterol

A new paper in JAMA demonstrates that placing individuals who have high cholesterol on a  diet that includes .94 grams of plant sterols/1000 calories, 22.5 grams of soy protein/1000 calories, 9.8 grams of viscous fibers/1000 calories from oats, barley, and psyllium, 22.5 grams/1000 calories of nuts and seeds per day.  (http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/306/8/831.short)  They were also encouraged to eat legumes (peas, beans, and lentils).  Participants only lost about 2-3 lbs of bodyweight but saw significant reductions in LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and blood pressure without a lowering of HDL (the “good” cholesterol).  This study shows the power of lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, like heart disease.

Our FirstLine therapy modified Mediterranean diet also includes soy protein, 2 grams of plant sterols, targeted neutraceuticals, and an emphasis on fiber, nuts, and legumes and there have been published studies showing even more significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, bodyfat percentage, triglycerides, CRP, and increases in HDL cholesterol. (http://www.lipidjournal.com/article/S1933-2874(09)00422-X/abstract)