is a type of naturally occurring organic compound found in plants. There are many types of plant steroids that play important roles in plant biological processes such as growth and development, cell division, and resistance to environmental damage (such as cold weather).
How are plant steroids different from anabolic steroids?
Some plant steroids are also beneficial to humans because their presence reduces the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Plant steroids should not be confused with anabolic steroids used to increase muscle mass, which are a synthetic substance that mimics the effects of human androgenizing hormones such as testosterone.
All steroids have a characteristic chemical structure based on carbon atoms linked by single or double bonds and arranged in four interconnected rings. Additional groups of atoms, called functional groups, are bonded to the carbon atoms in the rings at different points, which vary from one steroid to another. Different steroids have different properties, depending on the number of double bonds in the carbon rings and the composition of the functional groups attached.
The most biologically significant plant steroid is brassinolide, important for the development of plant cells and promoting plant growth. It is part of a larger class of plant steroids called brassinosteroids. Brassinolide is synthesized from campesterol, another plant steroid that is part of a group of similar steroidal compounds called phytosterols. Other examples of phytosterols, also commonly called plant sterols, include beta-sitosterol and brassicasterol.
What are phytosterols?
Phytosterols are plant steroids with a chemical structure similar to that of cholesterol (a steroid found in animals). Cholesterol is essential for humans and is naturally produced in the human body, but excess cholesterol in food can damage the circulatory system.
Phytosterols demonstrate the ability to lower cholesterol levels in human blood because their similar chemical structure allows them to react with chemicals in the digestive tract that normally bind to cholesterol, so that the cholesterol can be absorbed by the intestines. When phytosterols are present, they bind to these chemicals and prevent cholesterol molecules from doing so, causing dietary cholesterol in the intestines to be excreted rather than absorbed.
Phytosterol-rich foods may have a beneficial effect on people with high cholesterol. The most natural foods that contain phytosterol are vegetable oils and nuts.
Other foods may be artificially fortified with phytosterols and can also be taken in pill form. There is also research suggesting that consuming phytosterols may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as lung, breast and stomach cancer.
Excessive levels of phytosterol can also interfere with the absorption of some dietary nutrients and can have dangerous consequences for people with certain health conditions, such as the metabolic disorder sitosterolemia, so intentionally increasing phytosterol intake for health reasons without first seeking medical advice is not recommended.
Adjust your diet and include foods that can clear arteries. This way you can improve your overall health and your heart health especially.
1) Avocado.
Instead of generously spreading mayonnaise on your bread, try topping it with a slice of avocado.
A study conducted in Mexico in 1996 found that people who ate avocados daily for a week experienced a 17% reduction in total cholesterol. The level of bad cholesterol decreased and the level of good cholesterol increased.
Apart from this, avocados are filled with B complex vitamins, which help our body keep our nerves and brain cells in good health.
If you find it difficult to include avocados in your daily diet, try drinking an avocado milkshake to clear out your arteries.
Here are the ingredients to make this smoothie: 2 teaspoons low-fat milk, large ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons honey, ice. Place all ingredients in a mixer. Mix everything until the mixture becomes smooth.
2) Whole grains.
Fiber, which is found in whole grains such as whole grain bread
3) Olive oil.
A 2011 study found that older adults over 65 who regularly used olive oil had a 41% lower risk of suffering from brain bleeds than those who did not use the oil.
Use a little olive oil instead of regular oil when preparing salads, vegetables, and pasta. Olive oil is great for clearing arteries.
Note, even if it is a healthier option, use olive oil in moderation as it contains the same number of calories as regular oil.
4) Nuts.
Eating nuts is a good habit for the heart in the fight against the habit of nibbling on high-calorie cookies or cakes.
Almonds are very rich in mono-unsaturated fats, which promote good heart health. Almonds contain vitamin E and fiber. Walnuts are a delicious plant-based source of an omega-3 fatty acid called linoleic acid.
Mono-unsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood. As a result, it helps clear arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
5) Products enriched with phytosterols.
Sterols are compounds that fight cholesterol found in your food. Various studies have shown that sterols can reduce total blood cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels, which also helps clear arteries.
Sterols may be present in some brands of fortified orange juice, pasta, and milk. Try to simply read the label to check that margarine does not contain a lot of trans fats.
6) Asparagus.
This vegetable is part of the best foods for ridding arteries of fat. Asparagus helps remove very dangerous clots. You have many chances to become a fan of this crunchy vegetable by making salads with it. Give it a try.
7) Pomegranate.
This fruit contains phytochemicals that act as antioxidants to protect the arterial septum from various harms.
According to a 2005 study, pomegranate juice, rich in antioxidants, stimulates the body's production of nitric acid, which helps blood circulate better and clear arteries.
8) Broccoli.
This vegetable is rich in vitamin K, which is essential for bone formation and helps prevent calcium from damaging your arteries.
In addition, broccoli is filled with fiber. And studies have just shown that eating a diet rich in fiber can help lower high blood pressure and reduce blood cholesterol levels. These factors help cleanse the arteries.
9) Turmeric.
It is a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation, the main cause of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries leading to thrombosis).
A 2009 study found that turmeric helped reduce fat deposits in the arteries by up to 26%. Hence, this spice helps keep arteries cleaner.
10) Persimmon.
Research has shown that the polyphenols present in this fruit (it contains 2 times more fiber and antioxidants than an apple) can help reduce triglyceride and bad cholesterol levels. This means clearing the arteries of dirt.
11) Orange juice.
A 2011 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking 2 glasses of fresh orange juice a day could reduce high blood pressure.
12) Spirulina.
A daily dose of 4,500 mg (4.5 g) of this blue-green microalgae (usually available in powder or tablet form) can help loosen arterial blockages and normalize blood pressure.
Spirulina may also help your liver balance your blood lipid levels, reducing cholesterol levels by 10% and increasing good cholesterol levels by 15%, according to a recent study. Consider these supplements to clear out your arteries.
13) Cinnamon.
Rich in antioxidants, a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can help reduce blood lipids, prevent plaque buildup in the arteries and lower bad cholesterol levels by up to 26%. Sprinkle cinnamon on your morning coffee or delicious pancakes to prevent blocked arteries.
14) Cranberry.
Research has shown that cranberries are rich in potassium, which helps lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Regular consumption of this berry can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 40%, as the risk of clogged arteries is greatly reduced.
15) Coffee.
According to Dutch researchers, people who drink 3-4 cups of coffee a day for 13 years reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by about 20%, compared to those who don’t drink coffee at all.
Moderation is the key to reaping the benefits of coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant that may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. If you drink too much coffee, it can lead to an irregular heart rate (without helping to clear the clogged arteries that carry blood to the heart).
16) Cheese.
Believe it or not, cheese can help lower your high blood pressure. A recent study by researchers at the Brigham and Women's Clinic and Harvard Medical School found that people who consumed 3 servings of low-fat dairy products per day had lower systolic blood pressure than those who ate little dairy products.
17) Green tea.
This product is rich in catechins, compounds that can reduce the absorption of cholesterol by the body. Therefore, green tea can cleanse arteries.
As a bonus, green tea helps prevent cancer and weight gain.
18) Watermelon.
Not only is watermelon great for weight loss, but it can also help protect your heart and cleanse your arteries.
A study conducted by Florida State University researchers found that people who took an additional 4,000 mg of L-citruline (an amino acid found in watermelon) reduced their blood pressure in 6 weeks. Researchers say this amino acid helps the body produce nitric acid, which dilates blood vessels.
19) Spinach.
The potassium and folate present in spinach help lower blood pressure and open up arteries. According to a study, eating a daily serving of nutrient-packed leafy vegetables (such as spinach) helps reduce the risk of heart disease by 11%. Include such vegetables in your green salads and omelettes.
20) Salmon (and other fatty fish).
Fatty fish such as mackerel, herring, tuna and salmon are loaded with Omega-3. They are very good for cleansing arteries.
Eating this type of fish twice a week may reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease by reducing inflammation and triglyceride levels. It may also help you increase your good cholesterol levels.
There are many nutrients that researchers say may have a positive effect on heart health. Among the most well-known are phytosterols (phytosterols), a plant sterol.
This substance, found in many plants, dairy products and margarines, can lower cholesterol and is well absorbed by the body. However, it's not all that simple. There are researchers who claim that phytosterols are not as beneficial as is commonly believed. Is it true?
Phytosterols, or plant sterols, are a family of molecules that somewhat resemble - are its equivalent, but only in the “bodies” of plants. Both substances have a similar molecular structure, but they are metabolized differently.
They are concentrated in cell membranes, where they perform functions similar to cholesterol - they are responsible for maintaining the structure of the cell. Most often, phytosterol reaches the table of a modern person in the form of campesterol, sitosterol and stigmasterol. In addition, there are also stanols.
Researchers say there are about two hundred different phytosterols in nature, and the highest concentrations of these substances are found in vegetable oils, nuts and legumes. In the human body there are two sterolin enzymes that perform a regulatory function. They determine which phytosterols can enter the bloodstream by being absorbed through the intestines.
The fact that phytosterols can lower cholesterol levels is a fact verified by many scientists.. Researchers have even estimated that 2-3 grams of phytosterols consumed daily for 3-4 weeks can reduce LDL cholesterol (the so-called "bad" cholesterol) by about 10 percent. For this reason, foods rich in plant sterols are considered very beneficial for older people, as well as for people with high cholesterol.
It is believed that once in the intestines, cholesterol and phytosterols compete for the same enzymes. As a result, the amount of cholesterol absorbed decreases.
Back in 2002, American researchers conducted an experiment. They removed phytosterols from corn oil and asked experiment participants to use it in food. It turned out that in all experimental subjects, cholesterol absorption increased by 38 percent.
But, as practice shows, phytosterols from food are not enough to combat high cholesterol. And in such cases, dietary supplements are called to help.
“PLANT CHOLESTEROL” IS DANGEROUS FOR HEARTS…
Some people believe that since phytosterols can lower cholesterol levels, they can also solve another problem - preventing cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, there is no scientific evidence for this. Researchers found no relationship between phytosterol and the risk of strokes, heart attacks, or death from cardiac disease.
Moreover, paradoxically, some scientists are of the opinion that sterols from plants, on the contrary, can increase the risk of poor health for heart patients.
Numerous observations have shown that too intense consumption of phytosterol increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In particular, after examining a group of men, scientists came to the conclusion that people who consumed a lot of plant sterols had a 3 times higher risk of developing heart disease than people whose blood contained moderate levels of the substance. Other studies on mice have shown that phytosterol increases the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, weakens health, and provokes strokes.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that the opinions of researchers are divided on this issue. Many of them continue to claim that phytoslerols have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
...BUT WILL IT PROTECT FROM CANCER?
In addition to their ability to lower cholesterol, phytosterols may affect the risk of cancer. Studies have shown that people who consume foods rich in phytosterols are less susceptible to stomach, lung, breast, and ovarian cancer.
Animal studies have also confirmed the ability of plant sterols to slow the growth and spread of cancerous tumors, and have also proven the anti-cancer properties of the substance. But scientists are not yet ready to say that phytosterols can slow down the development of cancer in the human body, as they continue research.
SKIN PROTECTION
A lesser-known benefit of phytosterol is its benefits for the skin. One of the factors of its aging is the loss of collagen, the main component of connective tissue. With age, the human body loses its ability to produce, at least in the same quantities as in youth. German scientists conducted an experiment that discovered the benefits of drugs containing phytosterols and other natural lipids.
It turned out that plant sterols can not only slow down the process of decreasing collagen production, but also promote more active production of the substance.
VEGETABLE OILS AS A SOURCE OF PHYTOSTEROLS
Many plant foods contain significant amounts of phytosterols. Since time immemorial, nuts, seeds, legumes, vegetables and fruits have been part of the human diet. There is an assumption that ancient people involved in gathering consumed significantly more phytosterol than modern people.
Meanwhile, not all researchers agree with this opinion. And primarily because of vegetable oils, which in modern times are added to almost everything. And all vegetable oils are very concentrated sources of phytosterol. Therefore, supporters of another point of view convince us of the opposite: modern man consumes plant sterols more than any of his ancestors.
It is also worth remembering another type of vegetable fat - margarines, which are used no less often than liquid oils. And they also contain “plant cholesterol.”
In addition, scientists remind: cereals, which so often appear on the table of modern people, are effective sources of sterol.
Rules for phytosterol consumption:
- The daily dose of plant sterols should not exceed 3 g.
- Supplements with “plant cholesterol” are contraindicated for pregnant women and children.
- An overdose leads to hormonal imbalance.
- Abrupt withdrawal from phytosterol preparations after a long course can cause the so-called withdrawal syndrome and also sharply increase cholesterol levels.
WHAT IS DANGEROUS OF PLANT STEROL DEFICIENCY?
Plant sterols, entering the human body, play the role of a hormonal regulator. Phytosterol is able to act on weakened, damaged cells and bring them back to life. The performance of most systems in the human body depends on the correct level of sterols: immune, digestive, endocrine, reproductive, respiratory. Recent studies have determined the effectiveness of “plant cholesterol” in the treatment of tuberculosis.
In a word, this substance is extremely necessary for the body.
A lack of sterol can result in:
- weak immunity;
- osteoporosis and brittle bones;
- depressive states;
- chronic fatigue;
- hormonal imbalance;
- obesity.
FOOD SOURCES
It is believed that to maintain health, an adequate portion of phytosterols is 1-3 g of the substance. Almost all plant foods can serve as sources of sterol. Phytosterols are found in different concentrations in different plants. Most fruits and vegetables contain between 0.01 and 0.03 g of the substance per 100 g.
The most saturated sources:
- Oils.
Vegetable oils are the richest source of phytosterols. However, different oils contain different concentrations of the substance. For example, a tablespoon of sesame oil will provide 118 mg of phytosterol, while a similar serving of corn oil will provide slightly more than 100 mg of sterol. Other good sources are olive and canola oils. But the concentration of phytosterols largely depends on the method of refining the product.
- Nuts and seeds.
Pistachios and sunflower seeds are believed to contain the most phytosterols among other foods in this group. Scientists studied the composition of 27 varieties of nuts and seeds. In fact, the most concentrated in this category are sesame seeds and wheat germ. But since few people consume them daily, they often think of pistachios and sunflower seeds. In addition to these, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews and macadamia nuts are good sources.
- Legumes.
Just half a cup of beans, peas or beans will provide approximately 100 mg of phytosterols. What makes this category of products one of the most saturated and healthy, especially if you remember the concentration of fiber and unsaturated fats in their composition.
- Fortified products.
Increasingly, products enriched with phytosterols are found among food industry products. One of the reasons for this is the worldwide fight against high cholesterol, which is rapidly becoming a pandemic.
1 tablespoon of fortified margarine contains from 850 to 1650 mg of phytosterols. Among the fortified products, the most common are mayonnaise, yoghurt, milk, cheeses, chocolate, orange juice, salad dressings, soy products, and various types of snacks. Manufacturers indicate how many plant sterols are contained in food on the product label.
- Other sources.
Some grains and their products are also sources of phytosterols. It has been found that about half a cup of wheat bran contains about 60 mg of plant sterols. Two slices of rye bread contain 33 mg of the substance. Brussels sprouts have 34 mg of sterols for every 100 g.
AREAS OF APPLICATION OF PHYTOSTEROLS
In addition to the food industry, where phytosterols are used to fortify products, this substance is actively used by pharmacists - as a raw material for steroid drugs.
As a medicine, plant sterols treat:
- cardiovascular system;
- immune problems;
- infertility.
And also, as has been noted more than once, they reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.
In cosmetology, plant sterol is included in many skin rejuvenation products.
Plant sterols are an integral part of the human diet as a component of vegetables, fruits, beans and many other plant foods. The modern diet contains unnaturally high concentrations of plant sterols, mainly due to the consumption of refined vegetable oils and fortified foods.
Pistosterol can lower cholesterol, but at the same time increases the risk of heart disease. So what to do in such a paradoxical situation? Nutritionists say that there is a way out and it is very simple: stick to proper nutrition, create a menu of healthy foods, limit the consumption of fortified foods, and refuse harmful food additives. And what is especially important is to exclude trans fats from the diet, which, in addition to plant sterol, contain many harmful components.
Phytosterols have remained of interest to researchers for many years. Scientists conduct all sorts of experiments using plant sterols, and regularly share their discoveries with the world. Perhaps they will soon tell you something new about “plant cholesterol.”
The product complies with the European Directives ISO 9001, ISO 22000 and the GMP directive. All ingredients are not genetically modified.
Appearance: highly viscous opalescent liquid at room temperature.
Compound
The total amount of sterols is 97%, most of which are esterified sterols. The proportion of free sterols is approximately 6%.
. β-sitosterol - max. 60%
. β-Sitostanol - max. 15%
Campesterol - max. 40%
Campestanol - max. 5%
Stigmasterol - max. thirty%
Brassicasterol - max. 3%
A mixture of tocopherols and ascorbyl palmitate was used as an antioxidant additive.
It is known that plant sterols have a strong structural similarity to cholesterol, which makes up about a third of the lipids in the stratum corneum. Main function cholesterol is maintaining the required rigidity and rigidity of the stratum corneum. As an alternative to cholesterol, it is possible to use plant-based pistosterols , having a structural property with the cholesterol molecule.
In Bhattacharyya, Connor et al. Dietary phytosterols (350-700 mg/day) have been shown to include campesterol, beta-sitosterol, and stigmaterol. found in the stratum corneum of the skin. Their number reached 7%.
Main general properties of phytosterols:
- When plant sterols are used in the skin after UV irradiation, more pronounced gene expression is observed, encoding the synthesis of type I collagen- COLIA1 and COLIA2;
- Phytosterols are called "the most physiological factor in skin rejuvenation" They are believed to have a balancing effect, weakly activating estrogen receptors.
- Phytosterols have the property of absorbing UV radiation, being natural sunscreen. (absorption level approx. 0.094 mAU*S/mmol for stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol).
- Phytosterols stimulate cell differentiation and inhibit neoangiogenesis, help strengthen dermal structures due to inhibition of enzymatic destruction of fibers and proteoglycans of the dermis.
- Restrains melanogenesis, prevents the appearance of senile pigmentation and help even out complexion.
β-sitosterol , which is the main phytosterol of this complex, has a number of its own remarkable properties.
Proven properties
- β-sitosterol is a non-competitive inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction testosterone → dihydrotestosterone, hinders the binding of dihydrotestosterone to specific receptors, and helps accelerate the breakdown of dihydrotestosterone. Due to this, the antiandrogenic effect is realized.
- β-sitosterol has a proven anti-inflammatory effect due to inhibition of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid;
- β-sitosterol, when taken internally, has a hypocholesterolemic effect due to the competitive absorption of cholesterol;
- β-sitosterol has immunomodulatory properties.
Therapeutic properties relevant for cosmetology:
- antiandrogenic, reducing the effects of dihydrotestosterone in excess hair growth (hirsutism) in women;
- antiandrogenic, reducing the effects of dihydrosterone in androgenetic alopecia;
- antiandrogenic, reducing the effects of dihydrosterone in androgenetic alopecia, some forms of acne;
- anti-inflammatory;
- stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis.
Use of phytosterol complex in cosmetics
- As an additive to products for mature, dry, cracked skin, helping to cope with age-related dryness and restoring skin elasticity;
- As a booster addition to any daytime product, increasing the overall sun protection factor of the emulsion;
- How anti-age supplement in any cosmetic product;
- As an additive to soothing after-sun cosmetics;
- In complex means for correcting acne and post-acne;
- As an additive in cosmetics for the care of the skin of the neck and décolleté;
- As an additive to cosmetics for the scalp for dry and oily seborrhea.
Phytosterols can also be used in DMS .
Derma membrane Struktur - lipid composition similar to the stratum corneum both in quantitative and qualitative composition, and in the ability to form similar spatial structures. As a rule, it contains ceramides, phytosterols and hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine (the fatty acid component is palmitic and stearic acids) in equal proportions.
All its components are physiological and their integration into the skin occurs without difficulty.
DMS has its own emulsifying properties, and its use allows you to eliminate or significantly reduce the use of other, more aggressive emulsifiers. Dermamembrane structures are one of the tools corneotherapy .
Photo of DMS structure using phytosterols.
Use of phytosterols in pharmacy and medicine.
There is evidence that when phytosterols are consumed in food, a number of positive effects are observed:
- the level of total cholesterol decreases (due to competition with cholesterol during absorption) (Huang et al. 2007);
- the properties of bile improve;
- reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (Fassbender et al. 2006)
- Moon et al. 2007., Leetal. 2007; Patrick and Lamprecht 1996 report an antineoplastic effect of phytosterols against colon and prostate cancer.
Besides, phytosterols have immunomodulatory (Park et al. 2007) and anti-inflammatory (beta-sitosterol) (Parra-Delgado et al. 2004; Dickson et al. 2007) effects.
Input rate: 1-10%
Storage conditions and periods: 24 months in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight.
