New research shows a diet that consists of healthy foods, including
     almonds, may be as effective in lowering cholesterol as certain drugs.
     Researchers say incorporating almonds into ones diet might help to
     moderately lower cholesterol levels. The easiest substitutions to try
     might include a snack of almonds instead of popcorn, pretzels or
     potato chips.
     Researchers from Toronto studied a group of people with high
     cholesterol levels to determine whether following a specific diet can
     reduce those levels. The participants were divided into three groups.
     The first group followed a low-fat diet that included whole-wheat
     cereals and dairy foods. The second group followed the same diet and
     also took a 20-milligram cholesterol-lowering pill each day. The third
     group followed the Portfolio eating plan, which includes a diet high
     in soy, fiber and almonds.
     Results of the study show those who followed the Portfolio diet plan
     lowered their LDL or bad cholesterol by more than 30 percent.
     Researchers say the diet was as effective in managing cholesterol as
     taking a starting dose of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Previous studies
     have also shown the Portfolio plan has consistently displayed a
     drug-like effect in improving cholesterol levels.
     Patients on the Portfolio diet ate a handful of almonds each day.
     Researchers say the almonds, which are high in vitamin E, may have
     been a factor in lowering the participants C-reactive protein levels.
     High levels of C-reactive proteins are an indication of inflamed
     arteries and a risk factor for heart disease.