Plant sterol

Plant sterols, also known as phytosterols, are a group of sterol molecules that occur naturally in plants. They are structurally similar to cholesterol, which is found in animals. Plant sterols are present in small quantities in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals, legumes, and vegetable oils.

Structure and types

Plant sterols have a similar structure to cholesterol, but with some differences in the side chain and the presence of an extra ethyl group. The most common plant sterols are beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. Other types include brassicasterol and ergosterol.

Function

Plant sterols are essential components of plant cells, as they help to maintain the integrity and fluidity of the cell membranes. They also play a role in the production of plant hormones, and in the process of photosynthesis.

Health benefits

Plant sterols have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels in the body, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. They work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Plant sterols are often added to foods like margarine and yogurt, or taken as dietary supplements.

Safety and side effects

While plant sterols are generally considered safe, they can cause side effects in some people, such as diarrhea, nausea, and indigestion. High doses of plant sterols can also interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin D.

See also

• Sterol
• Cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Dietary supplement

Plant sterol Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia