Benecol

Benecol

Benecol is a brand of cholesterol-lowering food products owned by the Finnish company Raisio Group. The Benecol range includes spreads, yogurts, and yogurt drinks, all of which contain plant stanol ester, a cholesterol-lowering ingredient.

History

The Benecol brand was launched in Finland in 1995 by the Raisio Group. The company's research into the cholesterol-lowering properties of plant stanol ester began in the 1980s, and the first Benecol product, a spread, was introduced to the market in 1995. The brand has since expanded to include a range of food products, all of which contain plant stanol ester.

Plant Stanol Ester

Plant stanol ester is a fat-soluble compound that is derived from plant stanols. Plant stanols are naturally occurring substances found in the cell membranes of plants. They are similar in structure to cholesterol, but they are not absorbed by the body in the same way. Instead, they compete with cholesterol for absorption in the digestive system, which can lead to a reduction in blood cholesterol levels.

Health Benefits

The primary health benefit associated with Benecol products is their ability to lower cholesterol levels. According to the European Food Safety Authority, consuming 1.5 to 2.4 grams of plant stanols per day can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 7 to 10% within 2 to 3 weeks. This can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide.

Products

The Benecol product range includes spreads, yogurts, and yogurt drinks. All Benecol products contain plant stanol ester, and they are marketed as part of a healthy diet that can help to lower cholesterol levels.

See Also

• Cholesterol
• Coronary heart disease
• Plant stanols and sterols

External Links

• Official Benecol website