What are Plant Sterols?
Plant sterols, also known as phytosterols, are naturally occurring compounds found in the cell membranes of plants. They are present in small amounts in many plant-based foods such as apples, berries, broccoli beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. Structurally, they are very similar to cholesterol, which allows them to compete with dietary cholesterol for absorption in the digestive system. Due to this ability, plant sterols are best known for improving cardiovascular health and lowering blood levels of bad cholesterol.
Health Benefits:
Supports Cholesterol Management and Cardiovascular Health
The cholesterol managing effects of plant sterols have been widely researched and well evidenced. One study found that, regardless of variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, and body weight, treatment with phytosterols and phytostanols at 2 g/day significantly reduced bad LDL cholesterol concentration by 8%–10%. Preventing the build up of cholesterol is key to maintaining good health as high cholesterol levels are associated with restricted blood flow due to excess plaque in arteries, as well as the occurrence of strokes and heart attacks.
Typical Use:
Plant sterols can be obtained in small amounts through the dietary consumption of foods including legumes, nuts, seeds and various fruits and vegetables such as apples, broccoli and oranges. In addition to this, many people choose to use supplements containing plant sterols to provide targeted support for cholesterol management and cardiovascular health.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7841260/
