High cholesterol: The Portfolio Diet can lower LDL even if followed partially

The Portfolio Diet is a plant-focused eating pattern endorsed by major heart organizations and supported by clinical trials showing substantial LDL cholesterol reductions; even partial adherence has been linked to measurable declines in LDL levels.

The Portfolio Diet is an eating plan developed to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. It combines several plant-based foods that have been shown to reduce LDL when eaten together. Major groups such as the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, the American Heart Association and Heart UK are cited as endorsing the approach. Interest in the diet has grown because many adults have unhealthy blood lipid levels and diet is a central part of heart health. Key facts: - About half of Canadians aged 40 and older are estimated to have unhealthy blood lipid levels, with LDL a major contributor. - The diet originally included four daily pillars: 50 g plant protein, 45 g nuts and seeds, 20 g viscous (sticky) fibre, and 2 g plant sterols; a fifth pillar of 45 g/day monounsaturated fat has been added more recently. - A 2003 trial published in JAMA that provided all foods reported a 28% reduction in LDL with full adherence. - A 2011 randomized trial under real-world conditions found that 46% adherence produced a 14% decline in LDL cholesterol. - A 2018 review of randomized trials and later observational studies found similar LDL reductions and associations between higher adherence and lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Summary: Clinical trials and reviews indicate the Portfolio Diet’s combination of plant protein, viscous fibre, nuts, plant sterols and monounsaturated fat is associated with clinically meaningful LDL cholesterol reductions, and partial adherence has shown measurable benefit. Undetermined at this time.