What is phytosterol complex good for?
Boost Your Cholesterol-Lowering Potential With Phytosterols. Phytosterols (called plant sterol and stanol esters) are found in plant cell membranes. Phytosterols are similar in structure to cholesterol in the human body and block cholesterol from being absorbed. They should be part of a heart-healthy eating plan.
Where can I get phytosterol?
Phytosterols are found in all plant foods, but the highest concentrations are found in unrefined plant oils, including vegetable, nut, and olive oils (3). Nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes are also good dietary sources of phytosterols (4).
What happens if you eat too many plant sterols?
They can cause some side effects, such as diarrhea or fat in the stool. Sitosterolemia, a rare inherited fat storage disease: Plant sterols can build up in the blood and tissue of people with this condition. This build-up can make these people prone to early heart disease.
What is the best source of plant sterols?
Plant sterols can be found in its natural state in vegetables and fruits. Legumes, vegetable oils, nuts, cereals, and seeds are likewise sources of plant sterols.
Do plant sterols really work?
Plant sterols are compounds that help block your body from absorbing cholesterol. While plant sterols help lower LDL cholesterol, they don’t appear to affect your levels of HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. One Canadian study concluded that plant sterols are the most effective natural treatments for high cholesterol.
Are there any side effects to taking phytosterol?
The current evidence suggests that phytosterol supplements are relatively safe and well-tolerated. 5 Side effects, if any, tend to be mild and may include constipation, nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, flatulence, and the discoloration of stools. Many of these symptoms will resolve on their own once your body adapts to the supplement.
Where can I take phytosterol to lower my cholesterol?
Phytosterol supplements are also widely available in many health foods stores, grocery stores, and retail pharmacies. When taken as a supplement, phytosterols may help lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels.
Can you take phytosterol if you have sitosterolemia?
Phytosterol supplements should not be given to people with a rare genetic disorder called phytosterolemia (also known as sitosterolemia ). 6 The inherited disease, which causes the excessive build-up of fat in blood and tissues, can be made worse by the consumption of phytosterols.
What foods have the most phytosterols in them?
Phytosterols are found most predominately in fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, whole grains, soybeans, mushrooms, lentils, and nuts. Some commercially prepared foods—such as juices, yogurt, breakfast bars, salad dressings, and margarine—are fortified with phytosterols during the manufacturing process.