Phytosterols May Benefit More Than Cholesterol Levels

Over the last few years, phytosterols--the structural components in the cell membranes of plants--have become a popular tool in the treatment of high cholesterol.

Phytosterols, or more simply 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 also 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.

The way that phytosterols lower cholesterol is by competing for the limited space in the intestinal micelles, which significantly decrease cholesterol absorption. This in turn affects the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, reducing the production of LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol. Phytostanols are a type of phytosterol that is fully "saturated," a term in physical chemistry that denotes that all the potential bonding sites of the molecule are occupied.

New research indicates that phytosterols and stanols may lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Researchers from the University of Manitoba in Canada conducted a systematic review of all available research and concluded that phytosterols may inhibit lung, stomach, ovarian and breast cancers. Commenting on the mechanisms of action, the researchers state that:

"Phytosterols seem to act through multiple mechanisms of action, including inhibition of carcinogen production, cancer-cell growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, and through the promotion of apoptosis of cancerous cells. Phytosterol consumption may also increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and thereby reduce oxidative stress. In addition to altering cell-membrane structure and function, phytosterols probably promote apoptosis by lowering blood cholesterol levels."

In conclusion, the researchers wrote that "mounting evidence supports a role for phytosterols in protecting against cancer development. Hence, phytosterols could be incorporated in diet not only to lower the cardiovascular disease risk, but also to potentially prevent cancer development."

It is important to stress that these findings are based on preliminary studies, all involving relatively small numbers of test subjects. There will be a significant number of large studies needed before any conclusions can be reached about the possible impact of phytosterols on cancer.

Whole Health offers Chol-X® Cardio Formula with Phytosterols & Policosanol, learn more about phytosterols at the Chol-X page.