What Are the Benefits of Beta Sitosterol for Women?

Beta-sitosterol is an alternative medicine used in the treatment of conditions such as high cholesterol and allergies. It is derived from plants, and can be found in health food stores or on the Internet. There are no known side effects associated with this supplement, but it has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as of August 2010.

Identification

• Beta-sitosterol is a well-known plant sterol that has many claimed health benefits. According to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, one such proven benefit is its effectiveness in the significant reduction of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol in both men and women.

Features

• A group of studies, including one by the University of Illinois Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, have shown significant evidence that this supplement is beneficial for certain female cancer patients. Breast and ovarian cancers are among those considered to be estrogen-stimulated, meaning the cancer cells feed on estrogen. Beta-sitosterol was found to protect women against estrogen dependent tumor growth.

Warning

• Although research is promising, more studies are needed to identify long-term effects of the use of plant sterols such as beta-sitosterol, and their possible interaction with other medications. Discuss the subject with your doctor before adding beta-sitosterol, or any supplement, to your diet