Phytosterols Can Regulate Cholesterol

Phytosterols, chemical compounds naturally concentrated in plant foods (also known as plant sterols), have been clinically proven to effectively regulate cholesterol levels. Aside from plant foods, you can also find phytosterols in supplements and in margarine enriched with phytosterol esters. Science has shown that the plant fats in margarine are an effective method of delivery. New research now shows that low-fat milk enriched with phytosterols may be just as effective.

A recent study suggests that phytosterols incorporated into low-fat fermented milk can lower LDL cholesterol in people with slightly elevated levels. Researchers found that daily consumption of the low-fat milk containing phytosterols was effective in reducing LDL levels by 8% after six weeks. (Hansel B, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 86 (3): 790-796, 2007.)

Another recent study evaluated the effect of low-fat products enriched with phytosterols as part of a diet that restricted total cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg per day. For eight weeks, 46 people who had mildly high cholesterol participated in this double-blind, randomized trial. Researchers found was that the subjects who consumed low-fat milk enriched with phytosterols as part of their diet had significantly reduced serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels-- 7.7% compared to placebo. (Madsena MB, et al. Clin Nutr 26(6): 792-798, 2007.)

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: These findings support previous clinical trials that have found that consuming 1.5 to 3 grams of plant sterols or stanols from foods daily can lower your cholesterol levels significantly. It may take awhile for this science to make it to the dairy aisle in your grocery store. Until then, your best bet for keeping your cholesterol levels in a healthy range may be the combination of a plant-based diet and supplements containing phytosterols.

QUICK TIP: According to Jean Carper, boosting your HDL cholesterol levels may actually be more important than lowering your LDL cholesterol. Learn More