Portfolio Diet Tied to Lower Risk for CVD, Stroke

A study reported by Medscape reveals that the Portfolio diet, rich in plant-based, cholesterol-lowering foods, is linked to a 14% lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. The diet's key components include plant proteins, nuts, viscous fibers, phytosterols, and monounsaturated fats. Data from over 200,000 individuals across three studies supported these findings.

Researchers used food-frequency questionnaires to determine adherence to the Portfolio diet and its relation to heart health. Higher scores on the Portfolio Diet Score indicated better adherence and were associated with lower instances of heart disease and stroke, as well as improved lipid and inflammation markers.

The study reinforces the American Heart Association's guidelines promoting a plant-based diet for heart health, despite limitations such as self-reported dietary data and missing information on some diet components, which may underestimate the diet's benefits.