THE PRINCIPLE

The Portfolio Diet consists of consuming only foods with anti-cholesterol properties . Exit therefore fatty meat, cheese and cold meats. We prefer foods rich in soluble fiber (whole grains, pulses) which, gorging themselves with water, form a gel that absorbs bad cholesterol . Plant-rich plants (found in margarines and products labeled "anti-cholesterol") that lower the level of bad cholesterol are also targeted. Finally, foods rich in antioxidants have a lot of importance because it has been discovered that it is the oxidation of cholesterol that makes it dangerous for our arteries. There are many in very colorful fruits and vegetables (carrots, oranges, kiwis, tomatoes ...).

THE RESULTS

After several weeks, we can expect a drop of 13 to 20% in cholesterol, but this new food hygiene must be continued for life, even if ad hoc differences are not very serious. Secondary benefits: The Portfolio acts on hypertension , it has anti-inflammatory effects and even lose the extra pounds.

UNEXPECTED ALLIES

? Almonds: sources of vegetable protein, fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, we must eat 30 g each day (23), snacks, yogurt or crumbs on a salad.

? Chocolate: black, with 70% cocoa minimum, 3-4 squares per day max. It is beneficial associated with the Portfolio's food, thanks to its antioxidants.

? Avocado: rich in phytosterols and fiber (soluble and insoluble), it contains vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. It can be mashed in sandwiches instead of butter.

? Agar-agar: this concentrated fiber, (in dietary shops) can be mixed with a hot drink in the evening. It has the property of "trapping" the bad cholesterol.

* "Portfolio Program in 15 days", by Anne Dufour and Isabelle Delaleu , ed. Leduc.S, 9,90 €.

A PORTFOLIO DAY

? Breakfast: 1/2 grapefruit, 1 natural soy yoghurt with 2 or 3 tablespoons. to s. oatmeal, 1 tbsp. to c. cinnamon and 10 crushed almonds, unsweetened tea.

? Lunch: 1 grilled chicken breast, a small box of white beans, 1 endive in salad seasoned with 1 tsp. to s. of oil, 1 natural yogurt with sheep's milk.

? Taste: 1 banana, 3 squares of dark chocolate, tea.

? Dinner: a "wok of the sea" with 250 g of seafood mixture, 1 onion, 1 red pepper, 1 small bulb of fennel, 1 zucchini, all in 1 tbsp. to s. of rapeseed oil with salt and pepper, and a small plate of whole rice, 1 slice of pineapple.