What are plant sterols?
plant sterols are phytochemicals that are naturally found in fruits, vegetables and nuts. Other foods that are natural sources include seeds, legumes and cereals. Decades ago, scientists have developed a strong belief that plant sterols could block the absorption of some cholesterol in the small intestine. Because the body generally eliminates cholesterol, which does not absorb, it has been believed that these phytochemicals are useful for human health.
cholesterol is a fat substance that can be a danger to human health, but is also necessary. Cholesterol provides a structure for human cells and is a building block for hormones. It is therefore important that people consume some cholesterol. However, excessive amounts are associated with problems such as coronary heart disease (CHD). The best attempt to gain benefits in their natural eating is that plant sterols tend to occur in small amounts in natural sources. It is estimated that in the western diet, pokUD these phytochemicals do not add to food, one can eat only a few hundred milligrams a day. These low levels are not considered sufficient to impact on the absorption of cholesterol.
plant sterols are therefore often added to food. This is done by extraction of phytochemicals from natural sources and by adjusting them so that they can be used for food processes that allow them to add to other foods. In the European Union, for example, manufacturers of salad dressings, milk and soy beverages are allowed to add plant sterols to their products. Marking regulations require a clear indication that these ingredients are contained in food.
In the United States, they can be found in butt, bread of and bread cereals. Products containing added plant sterols can qualify to claim to help reduce the risk of CHD. Any products that wish to claim must also meett requirements for low saturated fat, low cholesterol and have less than a specified amount of fat per serving.
In general, it is believed that the benefits of cholesterol reduction begin when one consumed one gram of plant sterols. The advantages continue to increase up to three grams. It is believed that the advantages of cholesterol reduction do not increase by consuming more than three grams.
Consuming two or more grams a day for more than a month can lead to a decrease in plasma carotenoid levels. There are some indications that these reductions can be prevented by consuming five servings of green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables that can be full of carotenoids, an important group of plant pigments. Other health problems regarding plant sterols include the risks of atherosclerosis and plaques that create infarctions or strokes.
People are generally encouraged to use other cholesterol control methods in addition to plant sterols. Instead of relying on theseSets, people are often recommended to reduce fat in their diet. In cases where cholesterol can already be increased, a person may need statins or other drugs reducing cholesterol.