Previously, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) only permitted a maximum of approximately 1 gram
of plant sterols in a single serve of food.
[9] One study showed that consuming 2
g of plant sterols reduces the concentration of LDL - C in individuals with hypercholesterolemia by more than 10 % after 12 months.
The recommended
amount of plant sterols according to the National Cholesterol Education Program is to consume at least 2 grams daily.
For the next 12 - months, Sanitarium will hold exclusive permission in the Food Standards Code to include an increased
level of plant sterols in cereals.
«While increasing
intake of plant sterols is one of the most effective dietary measures to lower cholesterol, getting sufficient amounts in plant foods alone can be difficult,» Dr Clifton said.
Nuts Crack open a walnut shell and you'll find
plenty of plant sterols, compounds that help stop your gut from absorbing cholesterol.
The black part of the bars represents the amount of beta - sitosterol plus campesterol plus stigmasterol, the three most common
type of plant sterols, and so, often the only ones that are measured and reported.
In keeping with this theme, Dr Rouchotas shares his insight on the
role of plant sterols in management of cholesterol, as well as for prostate health.
There are herbal supplements in the
form of plant sterols that are very effective in helping lower cholesterol levels.
Studies have found cocoa to protect against cardiovascular disease, especially cocoa containing high
amounts of plant sterols and cocoa flavanols.
There is a remarkable similarity between the chemical
structure of plant sterols and Diethylstilbestrol, the synthetic hormone associated with reproductive cancers in women.7 This is one reason scientists seriously considered them as natural anti-fertility agents in place of the modern synthetic contraceptive pill.
To get your 2
grams of plant sterols you would have to eat about 100 pounds of vegetable products daily, which is unrealistic.