Phytosterol

Phytosterols are modified functional foods found in fats.They are similar to cholesterol,however,unlike cholesterol,they are not found in animal products,but are essential components of plant cell membranes.They cannot be synthesised in our bodies and only a very amount is absorbed in our intestines.It is thought that phytosterols can reduce the absorption of cholesterol,both that which is ingested in the diet and that which is found in bile.They occur in their natural form in pulses,oils,nuts and cereals,and can also be added to some products manufactured by the food industry,such as margarine.

They are beneficial to cardiovascular health as they compete for intestinal absorption with cholesterol.