Plant Stanols – Food alternatives that reduces LDL cholesterol levels

What does Plant stanol means?

Plant Stanols are substance that are found in grains, vegetables, seeds, edible plants and fruits. It helps in reducing the bad and over all cholesterol in the body. That makes it an integral part of the diet plans provided by the nutritionists. Living a healthy life style has become an important aspect these days. Almost everyone follows a healthy diet and these plant stanols plays a major part in it. The amount of stanols found in our day-to-day natural diet is a very small. Their impact in reducing the cholesterol is on a higher rate. So, researchers have suggested to manufacture and produce them in the form of processed foods. Healthy yogurt drinks are the most effective stanol content drink, that helps in reducing the cholesterol level in the body. Some of the other stanol ingredients are Granola bars, cereals, margarine spreads and yoghurts.

Individual consumption of 1.4 to 2 grams of Plant stanols ester on a daily basis for 2 to 3 weeks helps in reducing the cholesterol levels up to 10%.

What Plant Stanol Esters Do?

The structure of these plant stanols are very similar to the cholesterol. They actually stop the absorption of bad cholesterol from going into our blood stream. This leads to the LDL cholesterol unabsorbed and passing out as waste from the body. In a simple term, Plant stanols prevents the arteries from being clogged, and thus the cholesterol passes out as waste into the large bowel.

Research and studies have proved that food fortified stanols has reduced the LDL cholesterol by 14%.  Experts says that these plant stanols products have achieved the health claim status from the certifying organisations. This makes the manufactures to brand and advertise their products as healthy on their labels.

How to use?

How much should an individual should consume depends on the cholesterol levels. One must consult their nutritionists or the dietician. Usually, it’s up to 2 grams per day. Generally, these are recommended only for those who should lower their LDL cholesterol levels.

Plant stanol esters have been tested clinically to prove its efficiency and safety. The food authorities have approved for their safety in most of the countries. A healthy diet with these stanols along with regular exercises /workouts provides a best result for an individual.

One of the best food alternatives for these plant stanols are yogurts. There are healthy yogurt drinks available in the market. The dairy and yogurts are the good supplement for your healthy bones, oral health intestinal and overall weight maintenance.

Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? If you are looking for ways to reduce your cholesterol levels and lead a healthy lifestyle without compromising on the food, Plant stanol esters are the best proven results.