2002-12-16 11:01:00

December 16, 2002 -- Eating more vegetables and soy-based foods may be as effective at reducing cholesterol as medication, new research shows.

Scientists at the University of Toronto have developed a vegetarian combination diet they say cuts cholesterol by almost a third in just one month.

The diet includes vegetables such as broccoli, red peppers, soy milk, soy sausages, oat-bran cereal, bread, fruit and nuts.

"This opens up the possibility that diet can be used much more widely to lower blood cholesterol, and possibly spare some individuals from having to take drugs," said Professor David Jenkins, who led the study.

The report is being published in the journal Metabolism.

NY Post Wire Services