This post is about plant stanols and sterols. The plant stanols and sterols can be used to lower your LDL cholesterol.
Plant stanols and sterols
They are also called phytosterols and are found naturally in food. The foods that have the phytosterols in them are wheat germ, wheat bran, peanuts, vegetable oils - corn oil, sesame oil, canola oil, and olive oils. Almonds and Brussel sprouts also contain the plant stanols and sterols.
What is the big deal about the sterols and stanols?
1. They are shaped just like the LDL cholesterol
2. They compete with the LDL cholesterol for absorption in the intestine
3. The body will absorb the phytosterols instead of cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the blood will be decreased
4. They are very effective at lowering the LDL cholesterol.
Plant stanols and sterols can lower LDL cholesterol anywhere from 5% to 14% in about 4 weeks
The amount to take
The recommended amount to take per day is 2 grams
It is difficult to get the recommended amount of sterols and stanols just from food
To help with the amount
Plant stanols and sterols have been added to certain foods
The foods these are added to are margarine type spreads, salad dressings, bread, cereals, low-fat milk, and low-fat yogurts
They are also available as oral supplements
Tell your doctor that you plan to take the plant stanols and sterols in addition to other changes you plan to make
As always, I wish you Best Health,
Juanita
