The Portfolio Diet is the diet that includes plant sterols, soy proteins, viscous fibre and almonds as major components. Consumption of a portfolio diet reduces serum lipids and also blood pressure.

Individually, these foods have been shown to lower serum cholesterol by four to seven per cent. The lower saturated fat and cholesterol intakes accounted for a further nine per cent reduction. Reductions in LDL cholesterol of nearly 30 per cent were observed after the portfolio dietary treatment. Inclusion of foods comprising the Portfolio Diet also has the added benefit of contributing to satiety or "feeling full."

The Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals is testing the effectiveness of the Portfolio Diet on blood cholesterol. If you are interested in learning more, contact us at 204 960 2797.or www.rcffn.ca