Phytosterols are found in many foods.
These few foods contain a lot of phytosterols. Phytosterols are found in many foods.
Heart health should not be taken lightly. Cardiovascular disease still ranks first in the number of deaths, so their prevention should be considered, even if you are now young and perfectly healthy. High blood cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. If your cholesterol level is already above normal, this problem should be solved with a doctor, and if cholesterol is normal – to prevent negative changes and maintain this level will help phytosterols .
Ukraine , Ukraingate , 8 , December , 2021 | Lifestyle
Phytosterols (or plant sterols) are a family of molecules that are related to cholesterol. They are found in most plants and, like cholesterol, are a structural element of cell membranes. Phytosterols are excellent in that they are able to block the absorption of “bad” cholesterol, which reduces its concentration in the blood, as well as the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The most common phytosterols – campesterol, beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol – can be obtained from food. Especially rich in phytosterols:
nuts (pistachios, macadamia nuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, hazelnuts);
seeds (pumpkin and sunflower);
fruits (pineapples, oranges, bananas, apples, apricots);
vegetables (artichokes, broccoli, green beans, cabbage, asparagus, sweet potatoes, celery, cauliflower, dark leafy greens);
legumes (chickpeas, lentils, soybeans);
oils (olive, argan, sunflower).
In the gut, phytosterols compete with cholesterol for certain enzymes that they both need to absorb into the bloodstream. The more phytosterols you get from food, the more enzymes they take up in cholesterol. As a result, its concentration in the blood will decrease. It is important to understand that the bioavailability of natural phytosterols (which we get from food) is not very high, and for them to really work and help control bad cholesterol, your diet should, if possible, include all the foods listed above.
Source : Ukrgate
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