Heard of plant sterols? If not, don’t fret I expect you’ll be inundated over the next year or so. Last month Health Canada approved the addition or “fortification” of plants sterols to food and I predict sterols will take the torch so to speak from omega 3.
Plant sterols have shown to provide some heart health benefits. Specifically, sterols have helped lower LDL levels, the “bad” cholesterol in our blood by interfering with the absorption of cholesterol. It may not work for everyone and you do need to consume 2grams (g) per day, which is equivalent to 5 tsp of Becel’s new product pro.activ that was launched in Canada this week. Plant sterols are naturally found in foods like vegetables, nuts and vegetable oils but the levels are minimal, often less than 1% of the recommended 2g. Fortifying products with plant sterols provides a more concentrated level that enables individuals to meet the recommended amount associated with health benefits. Becel claims that pro.activ can lower LDL levels by 15% in 3 weeks when combined with a healthy diet.
I’m not suggesting that you start eating pounds of margarine and certainly don’t throw away your cholesterol lowering medications. As much as you may be looking for a magic bullet there’s no such thing. Aim to include these products in moderation in your diet along with eating abundant amounts of fruits & veggies, high fibre grains, low fat dairy and lean meats.
