Phytosterol-Rich Diets May Reduce Cardiovascular Risk

Over the last decade, research has indicated that the so-called "Mediterranean diet" may be linked to a number of health benefits. The name refers to the traditional diets found through out the Mediterranean region. Mediterranean diets are rich in fish, olive oil, wine, whole grains and nuts, and have been linked to longer lives, lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and lower risks of some cancers. However, as the researchers of a new study note, strict adherence to this type of diet is actually declining, even in Mediterranean countries.

It is believed that these benefits are derived from the antioxidants and phytosterols found in the diet. Phytosterols, also called plant sterols and stanols, perform a similar function in plants that cholesterol performs in animals. That is, both phytosterols and cholesterol help create cell membranes. In humans and animals, cholesterol is transported in the blood. When the blood's cholesterol level gets too high, it can lead to atherosclerosis and heart disease. Research indicates that a diet rich in phytosterols may help lower cholesterol.

New research from Greece has found that a diet supplemented with phytosterols may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as effectively as a Mediterranean diet. In the four-month study, the researchers gave 150 participants with mildly elevated cholesterol levels one of three diet treatments: a Mediterranean diet; a normal diet plus a spread containing plant sterols (2 g/day); or, a normal diet plus placebo spread. The researchers found the participants in the Mediterranean diet group gradually reduced several important risk factors of cardiovascular disease over the four-month period. Those risk factors included reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein and blood pressure. Combined, these reduced risk factors translated into a reduced estimated risk of cardiovascular disease by 24% to 32%. The participants given the phytosterols saw similar reductions of risk, but they occurred much faster. After just one month, this treatment group saw reductions of total cholesterol by 14%, LDL cholesterol by 16%, C-reactive protein by 17%, and blood pressure reduction of 26%. These combined for estimated cardiovascular risk reduction of 30%.

The researchers stated that "the consumption of plant stanol esters by moderately hypercholesterolaemic patients may be a useful option to reduce [cardiovascular disease] risk in those who do not adopt a Mediterranean diet."

This research supports findings from other studies on the heart benefits from consuming plant sterols. This body of research has shown that foods and dietary supplements containing at least 400mg per serving of plant sterols, consumed twice a day with meals for a daily total of at least 800mg as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. This research has been so compelling that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows the preceding health claim on products that provide this level of plant sterols.

One serving of Chol-X® Cardio Formula with Phytosterols & Policosanol contains 450mg of phytosterols and seven other heart health supporting supplements in one convenient vegetarian capsule. Taken twice daily with meals, Chol-X® may help naturally lower cholesterol and heart disease risk. Learn more about Chol-X® here.

1. Athyros, V. G., A. I. Kakafika, et al. (2009). "Effect of a plant stanol ester-containing spread, placebo spread, or Mediterranean diet on estimated cardiovascular risk and lipid, inflammatory and haemostatic factors." Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis.