What are plant sterol and stanols and how do they work to lower cholesterol?
Phytosterols and phytostanols are found naturally in plants. Because their molecular structure is similar to that of cholesterol they decrease absorption of cholesterol, both from foods and from reabsorption of cholesterol made in the liver and secreted into the intestines. Sterols and stanols are recommended as part of the NIHs TLC (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) Diet. The TLC diet recommends: • Limiting the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol you eat. • Eating only enough calories to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. • Increasing the soluble fiber in your diet. For example, oatmeal, kidney beans, and apples are good sources of soluble fiber. • Adding cholesterol-lowering food, such as margarines that contain plant sterol or stanol esters that lower cholesterol for some people.
Plant sterols and stanols, the active ingredients in CholestOff, have been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol. Because sterols and stanols have a similar molecular structure to cholesterol they are able to compete with dietary sources of cholesterol for absorption. As a result, sterols and stanols can help prevent the absorption of cholesterol from foods and positively affect blood cholesterol levels. Sterols and stanols are recommended as part of the NIHs TLC (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) Diet. The TLC diet recommends: • Limiting the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol you eat. • Eating only enough calories to achieve or maintain a healthy weight. • Increasing the soluble fiber in your diet. For example, oatmeal, kidney beans, and apples are good sources of soluble fiber. • Including 2 grams of plant sterols/stanols per day.
