Plant Sterols to Lower Cholesterol

Plant sterols have entered the market as an ingredient in various food products, like, salad dressings, spreads, candies, etc. The popularity of these products is based on some research studies that claim that plant sterols are good for lowering cholesterol levels in humans. Let us take a look at the cholesterol lowering plant sterols.

What are Plant Sterols?

Plant sterols, otherwise known as phytosterols, are cholesterol-like molecules created by plants and are found in food items, like, whole grains, nuts, fruits, legumes, vegetable oils and vegetables. The molecular structure of plant sterols is similar to that of cholesterol and the functions are also similar. Small amounts of sterols are present in almost all plants and around forty types of plant sterols have been identified so far. Among these, three types are found to be abundant. They are beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol.

How do Plant Sterols Reduce Cholesterol?

High levels of blood cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis and heart diseases in humans. The advantage of plants sterols is that these molecules are not easily absorbed into the blood stream, and at the same time inhibits the absorption of cholesterol too. It has been observed that a diet rich in plant sterols is beneficial in reducing cholesterol. The plant sterols, ingested with food, competes with cholesterol molecules, to get absorbed in the bloodstream and transported to various parts of the body. This action of the plant sterols blocks the entry of dietary cholesterol into the blood stream. Moreover, the plants sterols are not absorbed in the intestine, unless these molecules get dissolved, which is very difficult.

According to the recent studies regarding the role of plant sterols to lower cholesterol, at least two grams of plant sterols per day is needed to lower the LDL level by 10%. It means you have to consume around one teaspoon of plant sterol extract or one tablespoon of any food product containing plant sterols. But, there is no evidence to prove that plants sterols can reduce the level of HDL and triglycerides. The FDA has certified products with plant sterols as 'heart healthy'. However, there are many speculations about the use of plant sterols to lower cholesterol, that too in the form of supplements.

Plant Sterols Side Effects

Normally, humans get small amounts of plants sterols from a balanced diet. This is considered to be healthier, as compared to the intake of plant sterols as supplements. Researches are still underway regarding the benefits of plants sterols to lower cholesterol. There are many speculations about the side effects of taking these supplements. Some studies suggest that even though, plants sterols are poorly absorbed, they do enter the bloodstream and can accumulate in the aortic valves, causing stenosis. So, intake of plants sterols supplements is not advisable. It has also been suggested that plants sterols may hinder the body's ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and beta carotene. Supplements with plants sterols to lower cholesterol are also not recommended for pregnant ladies, nursing mothers, overweight people and small kids.

Now, you know about the role of plant sterols to lower cholesterol and plant sterols side effects. So, it is better to be satisfied with whatever small amounts of plant sterols, you are getting from your daily diet. Never use supplements containing plants sterols, without consulting your doctor and never overuse food products containing plants sterols for cholesterol reduction. There is a very wide range of healthy options for lowering cholesterol. Start with adopting a healthy lifestyle, along with a good exercise regimen.