Beta-sitosterol, alone as well as in combination with other similar plant sterols, is one of a group of organic compounds acquired from plants that is able to decrease cholesterol levels in the blood.
Beta-sitosterol’s ability to block the absorption of cholesterol seems to be the reason behind diminishing cholesterol levels. Beta-sitosterol has also proven useful in easing the symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Research, carried out in test tubes, has also shown various molecules, very much like beta-siosterol, to be effective in hindering the growth of cancer cells. However, the application of this information in regards to treating humans is still unknown.
While cholesterol is the main sterol derived from animals, beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol found in nearly all plants. Beta-sitosterol is found in wheat germ, soybeans, rice bran, and corn oil, and is especially abundant in peanut products including peanuts, peanut flour, beanut butter, and peanut oil.
by the Harvard School of Public Health
It has been asked by millions of people “If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins?” Not very long ago, the common answer from most experts and professionals would have been an emphatic "no". However, today there's quite a bit of evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes good sense for most adults.
by the Mayoclinic Staff
Given the popularity and availability of “high potency” amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and herbs, it might seem like dietary supplements could replace food as a source of the nutrients the body requires. However, this is not the case.
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