Phytosterol
Plant sterols of the type known as phytosterols are produced naturally by plants. They can compete with cholesterol for absorption in the gut because they have a structure that is similar to that of cholesterol. It has been demonstrated that phytosterols lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. In order to better understand phytosterol, Welzo users should read this article.
What are Phytosterols?
The following foods have high phytosterol content:
Nuts
Seeds
dietary fats
Legumes
entire grains
Additionally, some foods that have been fortified with phytosterols include:
Margarine
Bars of oats
citrus juice
Beyond lowering cholesterol levels, phytosterols may have additional health advantages. According to some studies, phytosterols may:
lessen inflammatory
Increase immunity
support for weight loss
Consult your doctor or a registered dietitian first if you're interested in incorporating phytosterols into your diet. They can assist you in figuring out whether phytosterols are a good fit for you and how to include them in your diet.
Side Effects and Precautions of Phytosterols
Phytosterols are typically regarded as secure. When taking phytosterols for the first time, some people may experience gastrointestinal side effects like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Usually, these side effects vanish over time.
Before taking phytosterols, consult your doctor if you have a history of gallstones or are at risk for getting them. Some people worry that, in those who are predisposed to developing gallstones, phytosterols may make gallstones more likely.
It's also important to be aware that phytosterols may interact with specific medications, such as statins, which are used to lower cholesterol. Consult your doctor before taking phytosterols if you take medication for high cholesterol or any other condition.
Dosage and Preparation of Phytosterols
For phytosterols, there is no recommended dosage.Doses ranging from 2 grams per day to 3.4 grams per day have been used in clinical studies.Food sources are the most effective way to consume phytosterols.Look for a supplement that contains plant sterols or stanol esters if you decide to take a phytosterol supplement.To find out how much plant sterol or stanol is in each serving, carefully read the label.Start with the lowest dose possible and gradually increase as necessary.
Interactions
Phytosterols may interact with some drugs, including:
Statins, or cholesterol-lowering medications, include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor).
medications for high blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors
medications that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Consult your doctor about any medications you are currently taking prior to taking phytosterols.
Phytosterols may obstruct the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. This is an important point to remember. Take a fat-soluble vitamin supplement, such as a multivitamin, at least two hours before or after taking phytosterols.
Eating a healthy diet and exercising frequently are crucial for maximizing the benefits of phytosterols. If you don't also change other aspects of your lifestyle, phytosterols won't be effective.
Mechanism of Action
In terms of structure, phytosterols resemble cholesterol.Phytosterols compete with cholesterol for absorption in your intestine when you consume foods that contain them.Less cholesterol is absorbed into your bloodstream as a result.
Pharmacokinetics
Phytosterols are absorbed into your intestine and reach your bloodstream after being consumed in food. Phytosterols travel to your liver once they are in your blood. Phytosterols are then processed by the liver and eliminated through feces.
According to research, the effects of phytosterols peak after three days. The levels of phytosterols in your blood gradually return to normal after you stop taking them.