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Home >
Research Department >
Supplement Articles >
Sterols & Sterolins |
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Supplement Articles |
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STEROLS & STEROLINS
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Can be
beneficial for those with
prostate concerns ... |
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Phytosterols, plant
sterols, look like
human/animal
cholesterol
molecules but in
contrast to
animal-based
cholesterol, are not
easily absorbed into
the body. They
actually block the
absorption of
dietary cholesterol
in the intestines,
causing a decrease
in blood cholesterol
levels. Daily
intake of
phytosterols can
lower LDL (harmful)
cholesterol levels
by an average of 10%
to 14%.
They do not alter
the levels of
triglycerides or HDL
(beneficial)
cholesterol.
One type of sterol,
beta-sitosterol has
been well studied
for its activity on
the prostate gland. |
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Supplementation with
beta-sitosterol
increases
urinary flow rate
and decreases pain
and burning on
urination in men
with benign
prostates
hypertrophy. Beta
sitosterol has also
been studied as an
anti-inflammatory
agent and immune
regulator in
rheumatoid arthritis
and other autoimmune
diseases.
Furthermore beta
sitosterol
stimulates insulin
secretion and may
contribute to better
blood sugar control,
for diabetics. As
more research is
done on these
molecules more
health benefits are
bound to be
uncovered.
Food manufacturers
are adding
phytosterols to
products like
margarine. Read the
product label to see
if significant
amounts of
phytosterols are
present in the
product.
Phytosterols are
available in
capsules for
supplementation.
They should be
standardized as an
assurance of the
amount of active
sterols they
contain.
Phytosterols can be
found in combination
products for immune
boosting,
cholesterol control,
blood sugar
balancing and
prostate health.
There are no known
contraindications
for the plant
sterols. Some
studies show a
reduction in the
carotenes when plant
sterols are taken.
Consider
supplementation with
beta-carotene. Take
plant sterols with
meals for
cholesterol control
and away from meals
for prostate
disorders. |
Plant
Sterols–
QUICK FACTS
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SOURCES
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·
Rice bran,
wheat germ,
corn oils,
and soybeans. |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Prostate
disorders,
high
cholesterol,
diabetes,
lupus,
rheumatoid
arthritis,
low immune
functioning. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·
125-750 mg
daily.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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·
Saw
palmetto,
pygeum,
niacin,
guggulipids,
gymnema,
boswelia,
devil’s
claw.
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
There are no
known
contraindications
for the
plant
sterols.
·
Some studies
show a
reduction in
the
carotenes
when plant
sterols are
taken.
Consider
supplementation
with
beta-carotene.
·
Take plant
sterols with
meals for
cholesterol
control and
away from
meals for
prostate
disorders. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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