Plant Sterol Supplements

As a key component of the Mediterranean diet, research suggests that moderate consumption of red wine provides health benefits that can lower the risk of coronary impairments. In fact, several studies have shown that the antioxidants in fermented grapes are quite potent, providing an important layer of protection against a variety of ailments and elevating overall health levels.

In particular, the flavonoids in red wine is linked to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, much like plant sterols; in fact, red wine contains some levels of sterols in themselves, which is further aided by the benefits of augmented HDL that is a core part of improving overall coronary health.

The sterols are most commonly found in a variety of wine types, including Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, with Petit Syrah also containing high levels - in general, dry red wines are highest in sterols and antioxidants.

While wine, in isolation, doesn’t provide sufficient amounts of sterols to help reduce cholesterol, the combined effect of the antioxidants is a key source of improved health. Moderate consumption of red wine can help alleviate several heath impairments, as well as providing the antioxidant reseveratol, which amplifies the benefits of sterols in red wine.

Many people shy away from nuts due to their high fat content, but they fail to recognize the immense nutrients and heart-healthy fats that are actually contained within. In fact, nuts are an important source of plant sterols, Omega-3 heart-healthy fatty acids, as well as helping to provide your body with important minerals and nutrients.

Some of the most heart healthy nuts include almonds, pecans, walnuts, pine nuts and pistachios, which are healthy when consumed in moderation. Experts suggest a small handful (a couple of ounces) of these nuts can help elevate health levels, while also providing a key source of reduction in coronary health risk.

Several studies have shown that moderate consumption of nuts can lower heart health risks, although moderation is a key component. Sonme of the primary benefits of nuts include minerals such as manganese, as well as arginine amino acids, which are an important source of protein-building. As a result, many doctors recommend nuts in moderation for their sterol and other health benefits, which can provide benefits for both mental and heart health.

When most people heart about diets to lower cholesterol, the thought of good taste escapes their mind. Today, however, you can find a variety of heart healthy foods that also taste great; in fact, you may be able to find some of your favorite foods that are supplemented with additional plant sterols to help lower cholesterol levels.

Since the sterol additives have no taste or odor, they can add nutrition, without taking away from texture or taste. Many products are fortified with an entire daily serving of sterols in products ranging from yogurts to orange juice. While you can find natural sources of sterols in apples, tomatoes and certain nuts, the volumes aren’t sufficiently high to justify the consumption without a supplement.

You can also supplement your diet with healthy oils such as sunflower and peanut oil, which are healthy alternatives to traditional cooking oils. These oils are among the most abundant natural sources of sterols. You can also find certain spreads and condiments with additional sterol supplements for further health benefits.

Preparing recipes with products rich in plant sterol supplements is easier than ever, as healthy versions of spreads, dairy products and juices contain abundant sources of heart-healthy phytosterols. A popular supplement is the Super Shots, which you can find in most grocery stores, and provide an easy way to incorporate sterols into your diet. Additionally, many multi-vitamins contain sterols in addition to other heart healthy nutrients.

Green leafy, fresh vegetables are one of the best natural sources of phytosterols. Studies have demonstrated that these vegetables contain a variety of plant sterols which can help lower LDL cholesterol when consumed along with a well balanced lifestyle with diet and exercise.

A prominent study has demonstrated the importance of vegetable oil in providing for plant sterols. These sterols were shown to help lower cholesterol levels in subjects, as well as improving overall heart health. Importantly, these natural sterols are found in a variety of naturally occuring sources. The report, from the Nutrition and Food Research Institute in the Netherlands, demonstrates how natural foods can be an important nutritional source.

Additionally, many spreads and salad dressings come fortified with sterol extract, allowing you to incorporate even more plant sterols into your daily diet. These products ranging from Activ Spreads, a healthy alternative to butter (which is high in satured fat) and margarine (which can be high in trans fatty acids.)

While consuming vegetables alone may not be a sufficient source to have a statistically significant effect upon cholesterol levels, supplementing those sources with additional sterol additives can help lower LDL levels in the blood stream, and contribute to overall health.

One prominent way to incorporate sterols into one’s diet is through consumption of fruits and fruit-added supplements. While natural fruit products do contain sterols, the amounts are not strong enough to have an effect in isolation. As a result, many types of sterol-fortified orange juice are on the market today, which allows health-conscious consumers to increase their intake of plant sterols.

While it isn’t traditionally considered a fruit, studies in Nature have shown that tomotoes contain a wealth of sterols. The study demonstrated that the among of sterols varies by type of tomato (and can be linked to the various colors of tomatoes.) In particular, ripe red tomatoes are shown to be high in cartenoids, suggesting a high level of nutritional benefits.

Many makers of sterol-fortified orange juice have helped to provide the benefits of fruit, replete with added steorls for extra health benefits. Additionally, many supplemental pills contain super fruits, as well as an important source of sterols and antioxidants. The combination of these ingredients can help to lower the risk from cholesterol in one’s diet.