Β-sitosterol

Β-sitosterol‏‎ is a phytosterol or plant sterol that is structurally similar to cholesterol. It is found in a variety of plant-based foods, including nuts, seeds, legumes, and vegetables.

Chemical Structure

Β-sitosterol‏‎ has a similar chemical structure to human cholesterol. However, it has an extra ethyl group at the C24 position on the side chain. This small difference in structure results in significant differences in the way the body processes and uses β-sitosterol compared to cholesterol.

Sources

Β-sitosterol‏‎ is found in a wide variety of plant-based foods. The highest concentrations are found in rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils, and soybeans. It is also found in significant amounts in nuts, seeds, legumes, and vegetables.

Health Benefits

Β-sitosterol‏‎ has been studied for its potential health benefits. It has been found to lower LDL cholesterol levels, improve urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, and may have anti-inflammatory effects. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits and risks of β-sitosterol.

Potential Risks

While β-sitosterol is generally considered safe for most people, it can cause side effects in some individuals. These can include nausea, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. People with sitosterolemia, a rare genetic disorder, should avoid β-sitosterol due to the risk of fat accumulation in the blood and tissues.

See Also

• Phytosterols
• Cholesterol
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Sitosterolemia