Rafaela Geraldo, PhD student in Biotechnology at the Faculty of Biotechnology of Universidade Católica Portuguesa (ESB-UCP) and researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF), has been distinguished with the Viver Saudável 2025 Award in the category “Clinical Nutrition Project of the Year”, with her project CARDIOLENTIL.

The study, which evaluates the effects of lentil consumption on cardiovascular health and the management of type 2 diabetes, shows that small dietary changes, such as replacing traditional bread with a lentil-based muffin, can significantly improve glycaemic control.

Rafaela Geraldo’s team includes Marta W. Vasconcelos and Elisabete Cristina Bastos Pinto, both Associate Professors at ESB-UCP; Delminda Neves, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto; Gert van der Heijden, Internal Medicine Physician at the Local Health Unit of Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde; Amaro Silva, Nurse at the same Health Unit; Ana Rute Torrão Machado Gomes, Nutritionist at the Local Health Unit of Póvoa de Varzim/Vila do Conde; and Carla Sancho Santos, Postdoctoral Researcher at ESB-UCP.

This distinction reinforces the relevance of the research carried out at ESB and CBQF, highlighting the scientific, social, and environmental impact of the project, as well as its potential to promote healthier and more sustainable diets.