Plant Sterols Show Cholesterol Benefits
Daily supplements of plant sterols were associated with a 20 percent reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, even without other dietary changes.
It has been shown that making dietary changes can be an effective way to lower your cholesterol (see The Top Cholesterol Cutting Foods ), a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A recent study indicates the impact that one change can make.
The study* looked at adults with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of heart disease risk factors that includes insulin resistance, hypertension, high cholesterol, and increased risk of clotting. All continued to eat their typical "western-type" diet (high in total and saturated fats, low in fiber and mono/polyunsaturated fats) but half received a daily supplement of 4 grams of plant sterols added to yogurt.
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The participants who had the daily plant sterols had a 20 percent drop in LDL cholesterol, 16 percent drop in total cholesterol, and a 19 percent decline in triglyceride levels compared to those who did not receive the plant sterols. There was also a significant reduction in apolipoprotein B, which has been linked to plaque formation in the blood vessels.
Numerous previous studies have reported that 1.5 to 3 grams of phytosterols/-stanols per day from foods can reduce total cholesterol levels by 8-17 per cent, which would represent a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers said that making healthy dietary pattern changes, including eating a Mediterranean diet, could have additional benefit in blood lipid profiles and the risk of CVD.
Plant sterols are found in small quantities in many fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, cereals and legumes and some margarines. To increase your daily intake you may want to try a supplement, such as New & Improved Cardiovascular Support with 1g of plant sterols per recommended daily serving.
* Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases
Published online ahead of print, doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2010.12.004
"Phytosterols supplementation decreases plasma small and dense LDL levels in metabolic syndrome patients on a westernized type diet"
Authors: T.E. Sialvera, G.D. Pounis, A.E. Koutelidakis, D.J. Richter, G. Yfanti, M. Kapsokefalou, G. Goumas, N. Chiotinis, E. Diamantopoulos, A. Zampelas
