Are phytosterols good for cholesterol?
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Are phytosterols good for cholesterol?
As part of a heart-healthy eating plan, consuming phytosterols in recommended quantities has been shown to lower total cholesterol up to 10% and LDL or “bad” cholesterol up to 14%.
What are the side effects of phytosterols?
5 Side effects, if any, tend to be mild and may include constipation, nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, flatulence, and the discoloration of stools. Many of these symptoms will resolve on their own once your body adapts to the supplement. Higher phytosterol doses are associated with an increased risk of side effects.
What is the difference between cholesterol and phytosterol?
Phytosterols differ from cholesterol by having a different structure in their side chain, whereas phytostanols are 5α-saturated derivatives of phytosterols. These structural changes, even though minor, make cholesterol, phytosterols, and phytostanols differ from each other functionally and metabolically.
How long does it take for plant sterols to lower cholesterol?
Increases in plasma plant sterols stabilize within four weeks of plant sterol intake and are independent of cholesterol metabolism.
Which two foods are high in phytosterols?
Phytosterols are found in all plant foods, but the highest concentrations are found in unrefined plant oils, including vegetable, nut, and olive oils (3). Nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes are also good dietary sources of phytosterols (4).
Are there any side effects from taking plant sterols?
Plant sterols/stanols are generally safe for most healthy people. Side effects include diarrhea or fat in the stool. In people with sitosterolemia, high plant sterol levels have been associated with increased risk of premature atherosclerosis.
Do plant sterols lower triglycerides?
Plant sterols lower LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides in dyslipidemic individuals with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes; a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
