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Plant Sterols for Cholesterol Reduction

A high blood-cholesterol level, also called hypercholesterolemia, can put you at risk for developing heart disease. A low-cholesterol diet rich in plant foods that naturally contain plant sterols, a cholesterol-like substance, can help reduce blood-cholesterol levels when coupled with regular physical activity.

  1. Cholesterol

    • Cholesterol is a soft, waxy steroid found in the bloodstream and within all cells in the body. Its primary purpose is to create cell membranes, but it is also involved in the formation of hormones, the synthesis of vitamins, and it plays an integral role in other biological functions. Cholesterol is manufactured in the body, but can also be consumed through food by eating meats, eggs and dairy products. High blood cholesterol levels put people at risk for heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack. You can reduce your blood-cholesterol levels by eating a low-cholesterol diet rich in plant foods and getting regular exercise.

    Plant Sterols

    • Plant sterols, also known as phytosterols, are fat-like components of plant membranes that resemble and act like cholesterol. Plant sterols naturally occur in all plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, legumes and vegetable oils. Unlike cholesterol, plant sterols can only be obtained through diet. Consumption of plant sterols helps lower blood-cholesterol levels. The most common types of plant sterols are beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol.

    Function

    • Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream causes atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in blood vessels, which may lead to heart disease. Plant sterols, on the other hand, do not enter the bloodstream. They also slow or stop absorption of cholesterol in the body, which aids in lowering cholesterol levels and the risk for heart disease.

    Dietary Recommendations

    • The American Heart Association recommends that approximately 2g to 3g of plant sterols be consumed daily in order to reduce or maintain cholesterol levels.

    Food Sources

    • Plant sterols are naturally occurring in all plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and vegetable oils, but have also been added to many processed foods including juices, cereals, breads, dairy products, margarine and low-fat foods.

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