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We previously examined what a stocks beta value is how and you can use it to your benefit when investing.Tonight I wanted to take a look at the top 5 low beta stocks that an investor could use as a portfolio building block. What do I mean by a portfolio building block? I mean that these low beta stocks could be used as your constant slow growers, the stocks you don't need to worry about. All portfolios should have some low beta stocks in them, high beta all the time will get you in trouble. These five stocks are low beta stocks that can be counted on to hold up your portfolio in rough times and reduce your risk exposure.

1. PepsiCo (NYSE:PEP) Beta value= 0.05  Pepsi has truly built itself into the most dominant global consumer goods brand there is. Yes Coca Cola Company (NYSE:KO) still leads in soft drink market share, but Pepsi has a decided advantage in the number of top brand names, especially internationally.

2. Glaxosmithkline PLC (NYSE:GSK) Beta value= 0.08  This U.K. company has built up an impressive patent list of drugs and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Advair has become the most trusted asthma treatment, and asthma is an ever-growing problem. The nearly 4% dividend is another huge positive for the stock.

3. Wellpoint Inc. (NYSE:WLP) Beta value= 0.63 This health care plan provider has positioned itself beautifully to take advantage of the new health care programs congress has put into effect. It also doesn't hurt that this stock is one of Warren Buffett's major buys recently.

4. Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG) Beta value=0.24  Bunge is a farm products company that specializes in fertilizers, agribusiness, and food products. The company has $4 per share in cash and should be able to continue to raise their dividend.

5. Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) Beta value= 0.51  Valero has positioned itself well to take advantage of the rise in global demand for oil. The company has a strong management team and should be an industry leader for years to come.

These five stocks are great examples of core holdings in a portfolio. An investor must be careful not to include only the fastest of growth stocks looking for the quickest returns. By starting out with some low beta stocks such as these, your portfolio will always have some industry leaders that will not gyrate as much as the market, and can help you sleep better at night with your stock holdings.

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Disclaimer *This list is simply a list of what I believe to be 5 of the top low beta stocks available to investors, please do your own research on these and other names when adding stocks to your portfolio*