What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a substance that is naturally found in the cells of our body. Despite what it may seem, our body needs cholesterol to perform a series of functions such as;
- Producing hormones
- Vitamin D
- Absorbing certain nutrients from food
In addition to our body, cholesterol can also be found in certain foods we consume (animal products).
The problem arises if we have high levels of cholesterol in the blood, as it can combine with other substances in our body and form a plaque that adheres to the walls of blood vessels, narrowing or even blocking them. In these cases, diseases such as arteriosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular diseases can occur.
What are phytosterols used for?
Phytosterols are substances found in plants that have a structure and function similar to animal-based cholesterol. These phytosterols are beneficial for our body because it has been observed that daily consumption of them helps reduce LDL levels (bad cholesterol).
How much phytosterols should be consumed?
Phytosterols contribute to maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels. The beneficial effect is obtained with a minimum daily intake of 800 mg of phytosterols.
