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Phytosterols
from:Phytosterols is a collective term that refers to plant sterols and plant stanols. Plant sterols are plant compounds that contain chemical structures akin to cholesterol. Those with high sterol levels such as rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils and soybeans manifest this main characteristic. When they come in a more concentrated form than sterols, these substances are referred to as plant stanols. The structures of these chemical compounds show a remarkable similarity to that of cholesterol. The main difference in cholesterol from animal sources and phytosterols is the absorption rate. Cholesterol derived from animal sources absorbs easily and can raise the body's own cholesterol levels. As compared to the phytosterols which can only be found at very low levels in the body because they are more difficult to absorb.
Phytostserols is so alike to that of cholesterol that they actually block the food-based cholesterol from getting absorbed in the bloodstream. Consequently, phytosterols and dietary cholesterol both end up expelled in waste matter. Currently, food manufacturers made sterols and stanols into 'functional' foods such as vegetable oil spreads found in Benecol or Take Control brands for instance. Phytosterols are also being recently distributed as a nutritional supplement in tablet form for those who do not want calories from food such as margarine.
Phytosterols offer the following health benefits to the body:
* It prevents heart disease due to the fact that it lowers total and LDL cholesterol levels. Daily intake of phytosterols can lower the cholesterol levels by an average of 10% to 14%. Due to these findings, backed by appropriate studies the National Cholesterol Education Panel in 2001 highly recommends that plant stanols and sterols be a part of the cholesterol-lowering treatments together with the usual cholesterol-fighting regimens such as exercise, low-fat diet and weight loss. Phytosterols do not lower triglycerides which is a blood lipid that has harmful effects of in excess nor it raise levels of HDL which a 'good' cholesterol.
* It enlarged prostate. Two studies conducted for a period of six months each showed that 350 men with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) administered with the beta-sitosterol indicates increase in urinary flow rate and decrease in pain and burning.
* It calms inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Research has shown that a mixture of phytosterols beta-sitosterol and beta-sistosterolin showed potentials in decreasing inflammation and soothing the overactive immune response.
* It controls blood sugar in diabetes because phytosterols stimulate insulin secretion and can contribute better blood sugar control.
Phytosterols founding margarines such as Benecol and Take control shows that 2 tablespoons daily can lower the total and LDL cholesterol levels. To lower cholesterol, take 200-250 mg three times a day with meals. For those afflicted with enlarged prostate (BPH), take 125-250 mg a day on a empty stomach.
In using phytosterols, follow these guidelines:
* Take phytosterols with meals because they block dietary cholesterol absorption.
* Take beta-sitosterol on an empty stomach.
* Increase your intake of beta-carotene when taking phytosterols.
* You may consume larger amount of margarine form of phytosterols to achieve an effective dose.
There are no known drugs or nutrient interactions with phytosterols. If taken three or four times the suggested dose could in rare cases cause gastrointestinal upset.
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