Lower Cholesterol Plant Sterols
Plant Sterols And Stanols: A Layperson’s Introduction
Plant sterols and stanols are the plant versions of cholesterol and are found naturally in plant cell membranes. They are proven to help block the absorption of dietary cholesterol into the body. This is the trait makes them helpful in lowering overall cholesterol, a significant contributing factor to heart disease. Research shows that plant sterols and stanols can lower LDL cholesterol (harmful cholesterol) without having any effect on HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol).
Plant sterols are safe and have been studied in detail with comprehensive research. The findings are similar across the board. The Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) completed a study on the Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. In this report, plant sterols at a level of 2 grams per day were recommended for use as a component of a reduced fat diet to reduce LDL and total cholesterol for people at risk for heart disease. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) Statement on Plant Sterols stated that plant sterols are effective in lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol by approximately 10-15%. The FDA has approved health claims on plant sterols as a supplement and food additive.
When considering which foods help in reducing cholesterol, you should realize that many plant-based foods contain plant sterols and stanols. Cereals and rice bran have a higher concentration of these nutrients. Peanuts and other types of nuts, including by-products like flour, oil and butter, soybeans, wheat germ and corn oil also contain plant sterols. People with high cholesterol are advised by The National Cholesterol Education Program to eat 2 grams of sterols a day.
Since it is tough to get the daily dose of plant sterols through food alone, many products are now enhanced with plant sterols. Such foods are called “functional foods” and include margarines, spreads, and juices among others.
Consider plant sterol use as a medicinal activity rather than a dietary change, as you must get the daily dose every day for them to be effective at lowering your cholesterol. When selecting a plant sterols source be careful about adding “functional foods” that are not already a part of your normal diet. Be careful about increasing the net fat and calories within your diet when using sterol-enhanced margarines or spreads that weren’t part of your diet before. For many people replacing a normal beverage with a juice-based sterol product, delivers the sterols they need without extra fat or calories.
This article serves as an overview of the science, evidence, sources and recommendations related to plant sterols and stanols. For more detailed information in any of these areas visit the links provided in the resource box.
About the Author
Plant sterols and stanols are backed by the FDA for use in lowering cholesterol naturally. Continue reading here if you want a clear and concise explanation of exactly how plant sterols Lower Cholesterol in the body.
Andrea K Kropp enjoys sharing the secrets of good health directly with consumers and making complex information accessible. She holds a M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan and has taught at 4 different colleges.
MonaVie Pulse: Plant Sterols
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