Beta sitosterols are a naturally occurring oil or fat in all plants, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. The amount and concentration of beta sitosterols vary within these groups. Plants such as saw palmetto and soybeans have the most; nuts and seeds, such as pumpkin and sunflower, have a moderate amount; while fruits and vegetables contain the least amount of beta sitosterols. The chemical action of beta sitosterols is similar to steroids -- they reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
Cholesterol
Beta sitosterols prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestinal tract during the digestive process, helping to lower cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends lowering cholesterol levels reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. Beta sitosterol is found in moderate amounts in nuts and seeds, and vegetarians diets also incorporate these foods, which may be the reason vegetarians have lower cholesterol levels.
Prostate Issues
According to the British Journal of Urology, a mix of beta sitosterols and other sterols improved the flow of urine and reduced urine retention in men with Benign Prostate Hypertrophy, a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges and can restrict urine flow and affect erectile function. Natural formulas that contain beta sitosterols, including pumpkin seeds and saw palmetto, are being studied for their use in prostate and other inflammatory conditions.
Immune Function
The part of the immune system that regulates inflammation and protects the body against viruses, bacterias and injuries can become suppressed when under stress. While under stress, the body reacts by increasing inflammation and raising cortisol levels. Increased inflammation and cortisol suppress the immune system. Beta sitosterols are a natural method of reducing inflammation and balancing cortisol levels, which supports normal immune function.
Warnings
Although beta sitosterols are nontoxic and quickly used and excreted from the body, they should be avoided by pregnant and breast feeding women.
Some medications prescribed for lowering cholesterol, such as Zetia and Prevachol, can interfere with or reduce absorption of beta sitosterols.
Individuals with Sitosterolemia, a rare condition in which the body is unable to rid itself of plant sterols, should avoid beta sitosterols.
References
- Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care; Phytosterols as Functional Food Ingredients:Linkages to Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer; Peter J.H. Jones; March 2009.
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Review; Beta-sitosterols for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; T Wilt,et al.; 1999
- The European Journal of Endocrinology; Adrenal Insufficiency in Phytosterolaemia; T. Mushtaq, et al.; May 2007
- American Heart Association; Phytochemicals and Cardiovascular Disease; May 2010
- British Journal of Urology; A Multicentric, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind Clinical Trial of Beta-sitosterol (phytosterol) for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; K.F. Klippel, et al.; September 1997
- American Heart Association; Understanding Your Risk of Heart Attack; June 2011
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