Phytosterols, or plant sterols are cholesterol like molecules present in all plants and are the equivalent of cholesterol in animals. All plants contain sterols in varying degrees and the amount of sterols in each plant has not yet been determined. Though there are nearly 40 types of phytosterols, the three most common are beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol.
Cholesterol in the body is a fatlike, waxy substance found in cell membranes everywhere in the body. It is used for the synthesis of Vitamin D and bile and also the hormones estrogen and testesterone. Only a small amount of cholesterol is enough for the body's needs. However, apart from the body's own supply, it is also ingested through the foods we eat. When there is an excess, a condition called atherosclerosis is set up, wherein cholesterol is deposited on the arterial walls leading to buildup of fatty plaque which finally clogs the arteries.
How do phytosterols work?
Though phytosterols resemble animal cholesterol in their structure, their functioning is entirely different. Certain cells in the body are used to metabolise cholesterol, both LDL (bad cholesterol which leads to the buildup of plaque) and HDL (good cholesterol which helps in removing the plaque). If there is excess of LDL, then more of bad cholesterol stays in the system for use and the good is flushed out. Phytosterols ingested in the body set up an environment whereby the cells are attracted to them and so the LDL is now classified as waste. The good cholesterol retained by the body further helps to lower and regulate the cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Dietary dosage
Phytosterols are found in most plants in low concentrations. They have to be taken for at least a month for the cells to recognise and process phytosterols in the body.
Eat phytosterol rich foods as part of the daily diet. These include nuts such as walnuts and legumes like kidney beans and broad beans, vegetables like broccoli, fruits like oranges, bananas, apples and berries and cereals like rice bran, corn, wheat germ and flax seed.
Eat a low-fat diet devoid of saturated fats and trans- faty foods to reduce overall cholesterol levels. Phytosterols work best in conjunction with a healthy diet.
Stick to the diet for at least a month. Phytosterols take time to work and are best suited for people with borderline high cholesterol.
Consult a doctor about combining phytosterols with other statin drugs and nutrients if you have high cholesterol.
Eating fruits and vegetables in the diet will block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Introduction of phytosterols will ultimately lead to reduction in production and absoption of LDl and improve cardiovascular activity.
Phytosterols are not drugs, but dietary supplements. The Food and Drug Administration has labeled products with phytosterols as "heart-healthy" foods. For reducing cholesterol it is best taken as part of a comprehensive programme.
However I would recommend that you hold off on taking it until you see this doctor's report at http://TheCholesterolBlog.info/week1/Phytosterols with tips to avoid scams and insider secrets on how to use Phytosterols effectively.
