plant sterols are actually quite natural. they are part of the cell membranes in plants and are structurally similar to cholesterol. in the body they go to work during digestion displacing dietary cholesterol in the cells lining the small intestine (where cholesterol is normally absorbed). what can plant sterols do in the body? according to a recent scientific review a diet enriched with plant sterols can on average reduce ldl cholesterol by approximately 10 percent. the favorable effect on ldl appears to be at its greatest at a dose of 2 grams a day. natural plant sources of plant sterols: plant sterols are found in small amounts in many healthful plant foods including grains fruits nuts and vegetables: avocado 6 ounces (1 small) = 132 mg phytosterols. soybeans 1 cup = 90 mg phytosterols. chickpeas 1/2 cup = 35 mg phytosterols. almonds 1 ounce = 34 mg phytosterols. olive oil 1 tablespoon = 30 mg phytosterols.
why are plant sterols good for me?