What Are Phytosterols?
Phytosterols—otherwise known as plant sterols, plant stanols, and sterol esters—are compounds found in the cell membranes of many plants you may already eat. Like cholesterol, phytosterols are a steroid, and the two have remarkably similar chemical structures. But unlike cholesterol, phytosterols are not produced in the human body, which means we must eat them to benefit from them.
More than 250 types of plant sterols have been discovered in plant species so far, and most plant species seem to boast their own, unique composition of them. Three sterols are most abundant in many of the heart-healthy foods you may already enjoy:
Beta-sitosterol: The phytosterol that is most prominent in such dietary sources as nuts, seeds, legumes, vegetables, and olive oil.
Campesterol: The second most prominent in dietary sources, with high concentrations in pomegranates, grapefruits, cucumbers, and lemongrass
Stigmasterol: The third most prominent phytosterol, with high concentrations in cruciferous vegetables, seeds, unpasteurized milk, soybeans, and nuts
Understanding Cholesterol
It is estimated that two out of three adults in the UK have raised cholesterol, and heart disease remains one of the country's biggest health concerns. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) carry cholesterol from the liver to cells around the body.
However, if our dietary supply of LDL cholesterol outweighs the body's demand, excess cholesterol is deposited along artery walls, which is why LDL cholesterol is often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol. An effective means of lowering the risk of heart disease is to reduce the level of harmful LDL cholesterol in the blood.
The Benefits of Plant Sterols
The European Commission has approved the use of plant sterols as a proven and safe means of reducing total cholesterol. Plant sterols have a similar structure to our own cholesterol, which means that they block the body's absorption of cholesterol into the blood.
Studies show that daily supplementation with 1500-3000mg is the range required to decrease cholesterol levels. Plus, plant sterols have been shown to have no detrimental effect on HDL (good) cholesterol levels. These health claims have all been approved and confirmed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Why Choose Plant Sterol Supplements?
Lowering cholesterol levels has been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, without the side effects or price tags of statin drugs. Our 800mg Plant Sterol tablets contain powerful levels of beta-sitosterol and have been carefully developed based on the strengths used in successful clinical trials. In addition to lowering cholesterol, phytosterols have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherosclerotic properties in studies and clinical trials.
The Plant Sterol tablets manufactured for Prism Apothecary are a premium-quality supplement, manufactured in the UK to strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards that ensure the highest levels of quality are always maintained.
Results may vary from person to person. All supplements should be used in conjunction with a balanced and healthy diet. If you are unsure about taking supplements consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.