Popping pills has been the principal method of lowering cholesterol since a class of drugs called statins was introduced in the late1980's. Now researchers have discovered a miracle formula that appears to be almost as effective as statins in cholesterol reduction, but without any side effects. The miracle formula is called the Portfolio Diet.

In a study reported in the July 23-30 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association researchers at the University of Toronto, led by Professor David J.A. Jenkins, reported that those on a high fiber vegetarian diet with an emphasis on soy protein, psyllium, and nuts lowered their cholesterol nearly as much as those who were taking statins.

The one-month study involved 46 participants (25 men and 21 postmenopausal women) with high cholesterol who were divided into three groups: portfolio (experimental), statin, and control. The participants, whose average age was 59, had a body mass index that averaged 27.6. A body mass index of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. A BMI over 30 is considered obese.