What Are the Benefits of Plant Sterols?

Sterols are healthy fats found in plants. Regular consumption of 2-3 g of plant sterols a day may help to prevent heart disease and strengthen the immune system. The average American diet includes less than 0.25 g per day. Good food sources of plant sterols include fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts.

Lowers Cholesterol

• According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), the most significant benefit of plant sterols will be to people with high cholesterol. Research results published by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service and the Journal of Western Medicine have shown that plant sterols increase the cholesterol-lowering benefits of a healthy and balanced low-fat diet.

Fights Disease

• Professor Patrick Bouic's research in South Africa further shows that supplementing plant sterols increases the human body's ability to fight disease, from common ones like colds and flu to serious conditions like TB and HIV.

Stress Reduction

• The well-known health writer and pharmacist Dr. James LaValle advocates the use of plant sterols to support the immune system and fight the effects of stress.

Allergy Relief

• More research done by Professor Bouic has shown that allergy sufferers improve significantly by increasing their intake of plant sterols.

Pain Reduction

• Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that an increased intake of plant sterols can diminish the pain caused by chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.