Phytosterols Lower Cholesterol
Plant sterols, commonly referred to as phytosterols, can reduce cholesterol levels, no matter how much of the artery-clogging substance you’re eating, says Canadian researchers in the journal, Metabolism. (Metabolism, 57(3): 339-346, 2008.)
What does this mean? Basically, if you consume a high-cholesterol diet (think one rich in red meat, cheese and fried foods) and take phytosterols, those worker bees will continue to decrease your LDL cholesterol levels (the bad kind). What this study showed is that dietary cholesterol has no consequence on the efficacy of supplemental phytosterols.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Phytosterols will continue working for you no matter what you put in your body, but why make their job more difficult? Research shows that cholesterol levels decrease when people eat a plant-based diet. If high cholesterol is your problem, dietary change paired with supplemental phytosterols will be your best bet.
QUICK TIP: According to Jean Carper, boosting your HDL cholesterol levels may actually be more important than lowering your LDL cholesterol. Learn More
Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.
