Plant sterols

Plant sterols, also known as phytosterols, are a group of sterols naturally occurring in plants. They are structurally similar to cholesterol, which is found in animals. Plant sterols are essential components of plant cells, as they help to maintain the integrity and fluidity of cell membranes.

Structure and Types

Plant sterols have a similar structure to cholesterol, with a double bond in the sterol ring. The most common plant sterols are beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. Other types include brassicasterol and ergosterol. Each type of plant sterol has a slightly different structure, but all have the same basic sterol skeleton.

Sources and Intake

Plant sterols are found in a variety of plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, cereals, and legumes. They are also found in plant oils, such as soybean oil, corn oil, and canola oil. The average daily intake of plant sterols in a typical Western diet is estimated to be around 200-300 mg.

Health Benefits

Plant sterols have been shown to have several health benefits. They can help to lower blood cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestines. This can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some studies have also suggested that plant sterols may have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-modulating effects.

Safety and Side Effects

While plant sterols are generally considered safe, high intakes can lead to a reduction in the absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin K. Therefore, it is recommended to consume plant sterols as part of a balanced diet.

See Also

• Cholesterol
• Cardiovascular disease
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K