The Portfolio Diet, which prioritizes predominantly plant-based foods and restricts saturated fat intake, has been shown to substantially enhance cholesterol profiles and promote cardiovascular health .⁘ The diet also limits ultraprocessed foods, better supporting insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels, said Theresa Gentile, MS, RDN, CDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She also manages the home enteral nutrition program at Maimonides Medical Center in New York City.
The diet helps lower low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol by combining a ⁘portfolio⁘ of several proven cholesterol-lowering foods. It focuses on plant proteins such as beans and tofu, nuts, soluble viscous fiber from foods such as oats, barley, fruits, and vegetables, and plant sterols that help block cholesterol absorption, Gentile said.
Randomized trials reveal LDL reductions of about 15%-30% compared with routine diets, sometimes comparable to early statin therapy⁘s impact on LDL .
The Portfolio Diet may help people with obesity by promoting weight reduction and improving metabolic health in a balanced and sustainable manner. Fiber and plant protein are significant positive drivers.
⁘ThePortfolio Diet focuses on small, flexible changes instead of strict rules. It supports adding food to patients⁘ diets instead of eliminating them,⁘ Gentile said. ⁘By adding more fiber, plant protein, and healthy fats into meals patients already enjoy, patients will not feel deprived.⁘
This approach can help patients learn how to make simple swaps, adjust portion size, and curate balanced and nutritious meals.
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