Plant Sterols & Stanols: Supporting Vascular Health & Cholesterol Management

For someone dealing with heart-related issues, who needs to improve vascular health, making exercise part of daily living and adhering to a healthful diet can prove beneficial. Plant sterols and stanols can be part of that healthful diet.

Definition

• Plant sterols and stanols, also called phytosterols, are found in plant membranes and are structurally similar to cholesterol and therefore compete for absorption in the digestive system. This blocks the absorption of cholesterol. Cholesterol buildup in the vascular system can cause numerous health issues.

Sterols vs. Stanols

• Clinical trials comparing whether plant sterols or stanols prove more effective for reducing LDL cholesterol levels show one is not more effective than the other when consumed as part of a low-fat diet. Neither one affects total cholesterol levels nor HDL, or "good," cholesterol, only total and LDL cholesterol.

Sources

• Phytosterols can be found in food sources such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and vegetable oil. Since these foods generally do not contain enough phytosterols to lower cholesterol, some manufacturers fortify their foods. Some fortified foods include certain brands of margarine, cheese, bread and milk. These products are generally labeled as being fortified.