Can plant stanols lower my cholesterol | Health Check

Summary

In this 'Straits Times' podcast episode of 'Health Check,' host Joyce Teo explores the impact of plant sterols on cholesterol levels with Professor Helena Gilling. Plant sterols, found in vegetable oils, cereals, nuts, and fruits, can reduce cholesterol absorption, leading to lower LDL cholesterol levels. The discussion covers the benefits of plant sterols as a dietary means to manage cholesterol, their efficacy in reducing cardiovascular disease risk, and their safety profile. The episode also touches on the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle changes in conjunction with plant sterols for overall heart health.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ Plant sterols and stanols are compounds found in plant-based foods like vegetable oils, cereals, nuts, and fruits that can help lower cholesterol.
• 🌱 These plant compounds work by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, leading to a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels.
• 🧪 The concept of using plant sterols and stanols to lower cholesterol was pioneered by researchers from the University of Helsinki and Raisio Group in Finland.
• 💊 Plant sterol esters are fat-soluble ingredients that can be added to various food products to effectively lower LDL cholesterol when consumed as part of meals.
• 🔍 Clinical trials have shown that consuming 2-3 grams of plant sterols daily can reduce LDL cholesterol by 9-12 percent.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Plant sterols can be combined with other dietary means and lifestyle changes, such as a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, for greater cholesterol-lowering effects.
• 💊 For those at risk of cardiovascular disease, plant sterols can complement or potentially delay the need for statin medication, depending on individual health conditions.
• ⏱️ The cholesterol-lowering effects of plant sterols can be seen within two weeks of consumption.
• 🤰 Plant sterols are generally well-tolerated with no significant side effects, but they should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential transfer to the fetus.
• 🛒 Food products fortified with plant sterols, such as margarine, yogurt, and beverages, should be consumed with meals to maximize their cholesterol-lowering effect.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of this podcast episode?

The primary focus of this podcast episode is to explore whether plant sterols and a more natural diet can help reduce cholesterol levels.

What are plant sterols and their role in plant-based foods?

Plant sterols are compounds found in plant-based foods such as vegetable oils, cereals, nuts, and fruits. They serve a function in plants similar to that of cholesterol in humans and are essential for the well-being of the plant.

How do plant sterols help in reducing cholesterol?

Plant sterols help reduce cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, allowing only about half of the cholesterol to be absorbed and delivered to the liver, thus lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

What is the significance of LDL cholesterol in cardiovascular health?

LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is significant in cardiovascular health because high levels can lead to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases.

Who were the two professors credited with the discovery of plant sterols as a dietary means to lower cholesterol?

The two professors credited with this discovery are Tatu Miettinen from the University of Helsinki and Ingmar Wester from Raisio Group.

What is the effect of consuming plant sterol esters on LDL cholesterol levels?

Consuming two to three grams of plant sterols daily can lower LDL cholesterol by 9 to 12 percent, which translates to an absolute reduction of about 0.4 millimole per liter or 16 milligram per deciliter.

Can plant sterols be combined with other dietary means to lower LDL cholesterol?

Yes, plant sterols can be combined with other dietary means such as reducing saturated and trans fats, increasing dietary fiber, and reducing dietary cholesterol intake, which can lead to an average reduction of LDL cholesterol by 35 percent.

How soon can one expect to see the effects of plant sterols on cholesterol levels?

The effects of plant sterols can be seen within two weeks of consumption when combined with a heart-healthy diet.

Who would benefit most from consuming plant sterols?

Individuals with elevated LDL cholesterol levels benefit most from consuming plant sterols, as they have a higher risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Are there any specific conditions or medications that make consuming plant sterols risky?

There are no specific conditions or medications mentioned that make consuming plant sterols risky. They are well-tolerated and do not cause side effects or bowel issues.

Should plant sterols be avoided during pregnancy?

Plant sterols are believed to pass through the placental blood flow, so it is recommended to avoid them during pregnancy to ensure the safety of the baby.