The Portfolio Eating Plan is a dietary approach to lowering cholesterol. It can be tried before starting on cholesterol lowering medication or if intolerant to cholesterol tablets. It is not recommended instead of cholesterol medication. It has the potential to lower cholesterol by between 5-24% if followed strictly. It involves a combination of a low fat diet and the following 4 key foods:
Food Component |
Evidence for % Cholesterol Lowering |
Plant sterols/stanols |
7-10% |
Tree Nuts |
3% |
Plant fibres |
5-10% |
Soya protein |
3-10% |
Have a look at each option and decide which you would like to try. You can choose ONE, TWO, THREE or ALL OF THEM.
The Portfolio Diet was researched in Canada. Recently it has been adapted in the UK and is called the UCLP (Ultimate Cholesterol Lowering Diet). There is however no scientific evidence supporting the use of the adapted version to suggest it has the same cholesterol lowering benefits as the original Portfolio Diet. Although both are similar, the Portfolio Diet is discussed here.
*If you are following a special diet already e.g. diabetic or renal diet it is important to discuss using the Portfolio Diet with your dietitian before using it.
Step 1: Follow a Balanced Low Fat Diet
Start with a diet that is low in saturated fat (mainly fats from animal origin), high in fibre, low in salt and rich in fruit and vegetables. Use the Food Pyramid as a guide. We have lots more information on ways to reduce cholesterol here.
Step 2: Plant Sterols / Stanol Products Check out our advice here for more information.
Plants sterols and stanols work by blocking cholesterol absorption from the gut. If taken in the right amounts they can lower LDL cholesterol by 10 to 15%. They are not a replacement for cholesterol medication.
The amount needed for the Portfolio diet can only be achieved by eating foods specially fortified with plant stanols and sterols such as spreads, juices, yogurts and milk. These products lower cholesterol by interfering with biliary and dietary cholesterol absorption from the gut. These foods should be taken at mealtimes or as part of a main meal.
The recommended 2g per day is usually achieved by consuming three portions of a fortified food:
or 1 portion of
1 mini yoghurt / smoothie drink is equal to 3 portions
Step 3: Almonds and Tree Nuts: 30g daily
All nuts are a good source of vegetable protein, fibre, heart healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. Although the research behind the original Portfolio diet is based on almonds, in recent research other nuts have been used with similar benefits e.g. brazil nuts almonds, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, cashews and peanuts.
How can these be included as part of your day?
Be careful not to overindulge with nuts as they may have heart health benefits but do no favours for the waistline as they are high in energy (calories). Stick to the recommended 30g per day
Step 4: Soluble fibre: 20g daily
Found naturally in foods such as oats, oatmeal, oat bran, barley, beans, pulses and fruits. The type of fibre in these foods reduces cholesterol levels by interfering with cholesterol absorption in the gut from food and bile acid cholesterol.
Aim to eat:
3g Oat based fibre daily (3 servings per day) 1 serving equals:
80-100g Pulses per day:
Add beans/pulses/pearl barley/ lentils/chick peas in your salads/casseroles/soups/ pasta sauces. Hoummous is another good option.
1-2 servings of wholegrain foods per day e.g.
In addition:
Step 5: Soya protein: 15-25g daily – 2-3 servings per day
Soya is a good source of vegetable protein, low in saturated fat and high in fibre. This is by far the most challenging aspect of the Portfolio diet. Start by trying to achieve 25g each day and work up if you feel you can.
How to do it:
Sample Meal Plan on The Portfolio Diet
Breakfast
Porridge made with 250ml soya milk and chopped banana
Glass of juice
Mid-morning snack
Piece of fresh fruit
Lunch
Vegetable soup such as pea and bean soup served with a whole grain roll
1 pot soya yogurt
Mid-afternoon snack
Handful of nuts (unsalted)
Evening meal
Salmon with vegetables and chickpea mash
Fruit salad topped with soya yogurt
Created by Aoife McCarthy, on behalf of the Cardiology Interest Group, October 2013.
Review date: October 2015
© 2013 Irish Nutrition and Dietetics Institute, INDI. All rights reserved. May be reproduced in its entirety provided source is acknowledged. This information is not meant to replace advice from your medical doctor or individual counselling with a dietitian. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
Please take the time to read through the...
We are delighted to announce that 4 fantastic...
This online lunch time event was held on...
All rights reserved. May be reproduced in its entirety provided source is acknowledged. This information is not meant to replace advice from your medical doctor or individual counselling with a dietitian. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
© 2023 Irish Nutrition and Dietetics Institute, INDI. | Privacy Policy
C/O Airfield Estate, Overend Ave,
Dundrum, Dublin 14
Dublin, D14 EE77
Phone: 01 2150508
Email:info@indi.ie