Persons with high cholesterol who received counseling  regarding a diet that combined cholesterol-lowering foods such as soy  protein, nuts and plant sterols over 6 months experienced a greater  reduction in their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels  than individuals who received advice on a low-saturated fat diet,  according to a study in the August 24/31 issue of 
JAMA. 				 				
 					
Efforts have been made to improve the ability of conventional dietary  therapy to reduce serum cholesterol through the inclusion of specific  foods or food components with known cholesterol-lowering properties,  singly or in combination (dietary portfolio), according to background  information in the article. The long-term effect of such diets compared  with conventional dietary advice has not previously been assessed.
Diet that combines cholesterol-lowering foods results in greater decrease in LDL than low-saturated fat diet, study finds