Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits manufacturers to state that foods containing plant sterol esters such as beta sitosterol reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) as part of a diet low in saturated fat. Lowering cholesterol levels may improve heart health, as cholesterol buildup contributes to plaque formation and narrowing of arteries. Scientists discovered phytosterols are effective for reducing cholesterol in humans in 1953, as phytosterols compete with cholesterol for absorption. The intestines can’t absorb phytosterols as effectively as cholesterol and excrete it into bile at high rates. The body absorbs 50-60% of consumed cholesterol compared to less than 5% of plant sterols. While beta sitosterol is structurally similar to cholesterol, humans absorb and metabolize the compounds differently. Insufficient high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol can worsen the situation, as the body uses HDL cholesterol to remove excess cholesterol from cells. However, too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can clog arteries. It’s also necessary to synthesize estrogen and testosterone and to produce vitamin D and bile acids. Like phytosterols do in plants, cholesterol helps form cell membranes in humans. Potential Beta Sitosterol Benefits Beta Sitosterol and Cholesterol Plant sterols have many beneficial properties and may support cardiovascular health and the immune system. The intestines absorb phytosterols (up to 5%) better than phytostanols (0.02-0.3%). Humans can’t synthesize phytosterols, as sterols and stanols are unique to plants. The primary structural difference is that plant sterols have a double bond in their sterol ring, whereas stanols do not. Phytosterol is an umbrella term for plant sterols and stanols. Humans typically consume 200-300mg of phytosterols per day from vegetable oils, avocados, nuts, and many salad dressings. Scientists have discovered over 250 phytosterols, but beta sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol are the most abundant. It is a phytosterol and a structural element of plant membranes. ![]() ![]() Beta sitosterol is a fat-like compound with a similar chemical structure to cholesterol.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |