Plant sterols are compounds found in various plants which look very much like cholesterol in their chemical structure. Sterols inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Between one to three grams a day of these sterols can lower triglycerides and the so-called “bad” LDL cholesterol. The FDA permits the following claim to be made regarding plant sterols:

“Foods containing at least 0.65 grams per serving of plant sterol esters, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 1.3 grams, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Most commercially available sterol products are derived from soy. People concerned with high LDL cholesterol or high triglycerides should consider including plant sterols into their supplement regimen. The recommended supplement level is 1.5 grams per day but even greater effects can be seen at three grams per day.