Plant sterols are compounds naturally found in the membranes of plant cells. They are the plant versions of
cholesterol (which occurs only in animals). These compounds can help
lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of
heart disease. Although many plant-based foods contain small amounts of plant sterols, there is much interest in using plant sterols as a
dietary supplement, especially in the form of functional foods (such as margarines or spreads).
There are many other health benefits that they may provide, some which are more valid than others.
How Do Plant Sterols Work?
It is thought that they reduce the risk of
heart disease mostly by
lowering cholesterol. Because they are not absorbed well from the
digestive system to the rest of the body, they work mostly within the digestive system. They work primarily by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine.
There is good evidence that they can lower
cholesterol levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease. There is not enough evidence to tell if they are effective for other uses as well
(see Do Plant Sterols Work? for more information).
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