What is a phytosterol?
A phytosterol is a plant-based chemical compound with a similar structure to the cholesterol found in animals. (1)
Phytosterols are potentially anti-infammatory. (1)
Phytosterols are also known as plant sterols. (2)
What are types of phytosterols?
beta-sitosterol (1,2)
campestrol (2)
stigmasterol (2)
What do phytosterols do?
Phytosterols are a key structural component of cell membranes (2)
Phytosterols are known to help block the body’s absorption of cholesterol. (1)
Phytosterols may help decrease high cholesterol levels. (1)
Phytosterols can block the absorption of cholesterol (2)
Phytosterols may decrease blood levels of LDL cholesterol (2)
It is generally believed that consuming at least 2 grams of phytosterols per day could significantly reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. (2)
Some research shows that phytosterols could increase the buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can contribute to a condition known as atherosclerosis. (2)
phytosterols have been show to have anti-tumor properties. (3)
Where are phytosterols located?
in a variety of plants (2)
nuts (2)
pistachios (2)
macadamia nuts (2)
almonds (2)
cashews (2)
peanus (2)
hazelnuts (2)
seeds (2)
pumpkin seeds (2)
sunflower seeds (2)
watermelon seeds (2)
pineapples (2)
oranges (2)
berries (2)
bananas (2)
apples (2)
apricots (2)
artichokes (2)
broccoli (2)
green beans (2)
cabbage (2)
asparagus (2)
sweet potatoes (2)
celery (2)
cauliflower (2)
chickpeas (2)
lentils (2)
mung beans (2)
adzuki beans (2)
soybeans (2)
olive oil (2)
argan oil (2)
sunflower oil (2)
canola oil (2)
vegetables oils (2)
maybe added to margarine (2)
Phytosterols and Humans
It is estimated that only around 2% of phytosterols found in food are absorbed by your body, compared with around 50% of cholesterol. (2)
Resources
1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/corn-oil#benefits
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/phytosterols-benefits-and-downsides
3. https://www.oliveoil.com/butter-vs-olive-oil-which-is-best/
