Studies of the plant-focused portfolio diet suggest those who follow it reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. What is the portfolio diet? Similar to the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, the portfolio diet emphasises fibre, healthy fats and plant sources of protein. A group of naturally occurring plant compounds called phytosterols (or plant sterols) are also key components of the portfolio diet. Because the study found only associations between the portfolio diet and lower cardiovascular risk, it could not prove that the diet directly reduced them.

Source: The Irish Times November 20, 2025 06:19 UTC