| Phytosterol | |||||
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Phytosterols is basically a plant sterol (much the same way that cholesterol is an animal sterol), but unlike cholesterol (meat sterols), phytosterols are totally good for health at just about any level. In fact, phytosterols can block much of the cholesterol absorbtion of meat.
There are about 40 different phytosterols, but the most common ones are (and most researched):
- Beta-sitosterol
- Stigmasterol
- Campesterol
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- Phytosterols are a type of phytochemical which naturally occur in plants
- Phytosterols are a part of the structure of all plants
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Beta-sitosterol is proven to have the following benefical actions:
- Promoting healthy cholesterol - reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and enhancing HDL (good) cholesterol
- Reducing triglyceride levels - reducing risk of heart disease and stroke
- Anti-inflammatory - assists with alleviating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis
- Anti-bacterial - helps with promotion of good bacteria and prevents bacterial infection
- Anti-fungal - reduces incidcence of fungal infections
- Protects stomach lining - helps prevent ulcer and gastritis
Phytosterols also have similar actions to hormones or can be considered as hormone precursors. Phytosterols are a source for hormone production in the body (and have none of the toxic effect of synthetic hormones).
Last reviewed: 30 September 2007 || Last updated: 14 March 2010
Related Articles
references
- McGuire M, Beerman KA, Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food, 2007 Thomson Wadsworth USA
- Marieb EM, Hoehn K. Human Anatomy & Physiology. 7th edition, 2006. Benjamin Cummings Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
