Plants sterols are now widely accepted to be the most effective food to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. They were first identified over 50 years ago, however it was not until the turn of the 21st century that a means of adding them to foods (margarine spreads) was achieved. When consumed, they work by partially blocking the body’s absorption of cholesterol into the blood and preventing the buildup of excess LDL cholesterol inside artery walls. In their natural state, plant sterols, also called phytosterols, help to form the membranes of plant cells and are structurally similar to cholesterol. Over time, this causes artery walls to harden and increases the risk of potentially fatal blockages. If there is insufficient HDL to carry cholesterol back to the liver for disposal, unused cholesterol begins to settle along the inside of artery walls forming fatty plaques. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) carry cholesterol to the cells that need it, while high-density lipoproteins (HDL) carry excess cholesterol back to the liver.Ī diet high in saturated and trans fats, such as processed meats, ready meals and dairy products increases the amount of cholesterol in the blood. When we eat, cholesterol in food is broken down by the liver and transported in the blood by two different types of protein, also known as lipoproteins. This organic fat is essential for the maintenance and renewal of healthy cell membranes and without a sufficient dietary intake, our cells simply wouldn’t survive. But, cholesterol isn’t always the bad guy. Why Should I Care About Cholesterol?Īs we age, it seems that everywhere we look there are warning signs for high cholesterol and heart disease. Find out why more and more people are choosing to add these intriguing nutrients to their diets. If you’re conscious about your diet then you’ve probably already heard about the cholesterol-lowering benefits of plant sterols, which are widely available in a range of fortified products including margarine, milk and supplements. The good news is that many people can effectively manage their cholesterol levels with a combination of healthy lifestyle and dietary changes. Raised cholesterol now affects 6 out of 10 UK adults and is becoming a key public health challenge.
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