![]() ![]() Phytosterols lower LDL cholesterol levels, otherwise known as bad cholesterol, by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the gut, says Dr. However, research suggests phytosterols may also offer a variety of other health benefits. “The primary health benefit attributed to phytosterols is their ability to lower LDL cholesterol, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” says Scott Keatley, a registered dietitian and nutritionist based in New York. 5 Potential Health Benefits of Phytosterols However, it isn’t possible to consume these higher levels of phytosterols through natural food sources alone-doses of 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams are only available through supplements or by consuming foods fortified with phytosterols, such as margarine, orange juice, milk, cereals or breads with added phytosterols. Phytosterols, Cholesterol Control, and Cardiovascular Disease. Phytosterol intakes of 300 to 400 milligrams, the amount commonly consumed in an average diet, result in about a 5% decrease of cholesterol absorption, while daily intakes of 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams of phytosterols can decrease cholesterol absorption by up to 35 to 40%, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients Poli A, Marangoni F, Corsini A, et al. “They stop some of the cholesterol we eat from entering our bloodstream.” ![]() “You can think of phytosterols as roadblocks for cholesterol in our digestive system,” says Robert Segal, M.D., a New York-based cardiologist and founder of Manhattan Cardiology in New York City. Phytosterols and cholesterol compete for absorption, meaning the more phytosterols there are in the gut, the less cholesterol is absorbed. Phytosterols are very similar to cholesterol structurally and both molecules are absorbed from the gut through the same pathway, entering mixed micelles, mixtures of fatty acids, cholesterol, bile acids, that are absorbed through the intestinal lining. However, unlike cholesterol, which is synthesized by the liver, phytosterols are obtained via a person’s diet or through supplement form. Also known as plant sterols or stanols, phytosterols are structurally similar to cholesterol, a waxy substance found in animal foods. These compounds are found in plants like nuts, seeds, grains and legumes. Phytosterols are compounds that may help lower cholesterol levels and offer other health benefits. What Are Phytosterols? 5 Health Benefits Of These Plant Compounds While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. ![]() The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. This compensation comes from two main sources. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. ![]()
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