Plant Sterols and Cholesterol - What's the News?

Research has found that intake of low-fat foods fortified with plant sterols can help support low cholesterol levels for better health. Know more about the recent news on plant sterols and cholesterol.

Scientific studies in the past decade have revealed the tie that binds plant sterols and cholesterols. Plant sterols and stanols have been found to be effective for cholesterol lowering. Experts and dieticians recommend intake of stanol and sterol containing foods to lower LDL cholesterols and reduce the risk of developing heart problems.

But what are these? These and stanols are compounds naturally found in small amounts in many vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds and nuts. The proven cholesterol-lowering property of these and stanols are so well known that manufacturers have already started adding them into many commercially available foods today. Now, sterols and stanols are available in spreads, margarine, cereals, orange juice, granola bars, and even cookies.

How Plant Sterols Help for Cholesterol

The molecular make-up of stanols and sterols are similar to that of cholesterol. When plant sterols reach your digestive track, they are known to prevent the absorption of real cholesterol into the blood stream. In other words, these compounds seem to have the ability to trick the body that they are cholesterol. Thus, the real "bad" cholesterols, which can build up and clog the arteries are not absorbed and are quickly removed from the body.

What makes it ideal is that they are not readily absorbable in the intestines. This means that they compete with cholesterol absorption without creating any impact on digestion and the blood stream.

Scientific Evidence on the Cholesterol-lowering Effect of Stanols

Published research findings in medical journals have revealed consistent results. A study in 1995 published in the New England Journal of Medicine has indicated that daily intake of margarine enriched with stanols might have the potential to help lower bad LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 14%. More recent studies conducted at the University of California Davis found that sterol-enriched orange juice could possibly help to lower LDL levels by almost 15%. These are not health claims at all, simply reporting on studies that have indicated promising potential benefits.

Additional Info on Sterols

Note though that taking too much it is also not recommended. Intake of at least two grams of sterols and stanols seem to be sufficient for those who have high levels of cholesterol. Intake of gram levels is generally not recommended to those who have no cholesterol level problems.

Normally, adequate amounts of it are available in a well-balanced diet. In fact, most experts agree that dietary intake of sterols via food is a healthier choice than taking them as supplements. There are many speculations on the possible side effects of plant sterols. There are studies, which suggest that even if plant sterols and stanols are not readily absorbed in the intestines, some amounts can still enter the bloodstream and might actually accumulate in the aortic valves, potentially causing a condition called stenosis.

The direct positive relationship between plant sterols and cholesterol has been strongly suggested. However, as of the moment, it may be best to take in plant sterols through natural and fortified foods than taking them as stand-alone supplements. For the best cholesterol-lowering program, make sure to work with your doctor's advice to adopt a healthy lifestyle, proper diet, and follow a good exercise program.

Also talk to your doctor about how fish oil may benefit your heart health diet plan. Many doctors take fish oil themselves and recommend it to their patients. Find out why by talking to your doctor and reading more about the benefits of pure fish oil.

Susan Goodwin writes about fish oil health benefits at pureconcentratedfishoil.com pureconcentratedfishoil.com where you can get a free report about fish oil and heart health. Be sure to choose a pureconcentratedfishoil.com pure concentrated fish oil supplement that will provide you and your heart all the health benefits possible.