Phytosterols (fi-TAH-ster-ols) are natural products (compounds) found in plants. Eating plant-based foods with phytosterols as part of a healthy diet may help you lower your cholesterol levels. You can find phytosterols in: Fruits and vegetables.
Where do phytosterols come from ?
Phytosterols are found in all plant foods, but the highest concentrations are found in unrefined plant oils, including vegetable, nut, and olive oils. Nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes are also good dietary sources of phytosterols.
Two most common sources: Soybean & Pine
Which two foods are highest in phytosterols?
1.The total phytosterol content in vegetables ranged 1.1-53.7 mg/100 g edible portion
The highest concentration was found in pea, cauliflower, broccoli, and romaine lettuce.
2.The phytosterol contents in fruits ranged 1.6-32.6 mg/100 g
The highest concentration was found in navel orange, tangerine, and mango.
PHYTOSTEROLS, PHYTOSTANOLS AND THEIR ESTER
What are the differences between plant sterols from different sources?
Why the human body needs to absorb phytosterols ?
The cell structure of phytosterols looks and acts like cholesterol, so it competes with cholesterol for absorption by your digestive system. When your body digests plant sterols instead of cholesterol, it removes some of the cholesterol as waste. This results in lower cholesterol levels and improved health.
How do plant sterols work?
The cell structure of phytosterols looks and acts like cholesterol, so it competes with cholesterol for absorption by your digestive system.
When your body digests plant sterols instead of cholesterol, it removes some of the cholesterol as waste. This results in lower cholesterol levels and improved health.
Food categories and use levels
The main products (phytosterol ester level given between brackets) are:
• margarines and low fat spreads (3.4g per 30g)
• yogurts (1.25g per 125ml)
• yogurt drinks (3.4g per 100ml)
• milk (5g per litre)
Phytostanol concentrations in food products on the market
What are phytosterol esters used for?
Phytosterols are effective in lowering cholesterol if you eat enough of them as part of a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Studies have shown that a daily diet that contains 2 grams of phytosterols correlates with an 8% to 10% lower LDL cholesterol level.
What is the main health benefit of phytosterols?
-Reduce Cardiovascular Risk
-Lowering Cholesterol
-Cancer Treatment and Prevention
