PHYTOSTEROLS 60g POWDER

Cholesterol and its effects on health, particularly cardiovascular disease, have long been a much-debated topic. For those wishing to lower their cholesterol levels, extensive research has identified the benefits offered by phytosterols. Phytosterols are similar in molecular structure to cholesterol, but they are found in the membranes of plant cells, while cholesterol is only found in animal products. When ingested, phytosterols reduce cholesterol absorption from the gut due to their structural similarity with cholesterol. The body can’t tell the difference between the two, and thus taking phytosterols with meals can effectively prevent the cholesterol in your food from getting into your bloodstream. This has been verified by extensive research, resulting in the addition of purified plant sterols or stanols to various food items in recent decades to create functional foods with remarkable cholesterol-lowering activity.

Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that daily consumption of phytosterols from phytosterol-enriched foods can significantly lower serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. An average phytosterol intake of 2 g/day can lower serum LDL-cholesterol by 8%-10%.

In addition to their cholesterol-lowering properties, phytosterols may lower your risk of developing some cancers. Human studies indicate that high levels of phytosterols may decrease the likelihood of developing stomach, lung, liver, breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. Test-tube and animal studies similarly indicate that phytosterols may have cancer-fighting properties and could slow the growth and spread of tumours.

It is also possible that phytosterols can help combat obesity and improve urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Following a whole-food, plant-based diet is a great way to boost your intake of phytosterols. Plant foods like nuts, seeds, and legumes are not only rich in phytosterols but also a great source of other beneficial nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals. However, considering that a daily dose of 2g of phytosterols is recommended, one would need to consume large amounts of these foods to reap the cholesterol-lowering benefits. For example, one cup of chickpeas contains around 206mg of phytosterols, while a 100g serving of sweet potato contains 105mg. Taking the Fortifood phytosterol supplement is a convenient and effective way to ensure you consume the required dosage to reap the full health benefits offered by phytosterols.