That the content of phytosterols in diet deserves attention is confirmed by a recent study conducted on 85 healthy adults in Spain and published online in Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases. In this research we have seen that an increase of plant sterols in the diet decreased cholesterol absorption from the intestine and decreased in particular the level of LDL ("bad") cholesterol in the blood. "The belief that plant sterols reduce cholesterol absorption and cholesterol is widely shared by the scientific community - says Adriana Shoals, head of the study and prevention of atherosclerosis Center Foundation Policlinico of Milan .- But if the intake of phytosterols is low, as the usual western population of about 200-300 mg per day), but the effect is very modest. In that study, the amount of plant sterols was much higher (about double) and in order to reach these levels, the choice of food must be particularly careful. And if you want to achieve very significant reductions of cholesterol you should take even greater amounts of phytosterols, at least 2 grams per day. With these doses, cholesterol also decreases by 10-15%. "
"Eat more foods rich in phytosterols is advisable - adds Domenico Sommariva, vice president of the Lombardy section of the Italian Society for the study of atherosclerosis - also because most of these foods, such as oils, seeds, dried fruit nuts, are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated well as helping to reduce cholesterol levels, especially when they replace other fats. However, if this device can be a useful food to control cholesterol in the general population, when there are problems with high cholesterol, or atherosclerosis, dietary changes is almost always necessary to associate with cholesterol-lowering drugs. "
