What Is beta-Sitosterol & What Foods Can I Find It In?
beta-Sitosterol is a member of the class of phytosterols, belonging to the sterols.
It has chemical structures similar to that of cholesterol.
beta-Sitosterol can be used as an antioxidant. It is also used as a natural preservative in food products.
Table of Contents
beta-Sitosterol Is A Sterol
beta-Sitosterol is a sterol found in almost all plants.
It is one of the main sub-components of a group of plant sterols known as phytosterols that are very similar in composition to cholesterol. (source ◳)
The major phytosterols are beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. (source ◳)
Benefits And Side-Effects Of beta-Sitosterol
Beta-Sitosterol may improve glucose tolerance, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
beta-Sitosterol has the ability to bind to bile acids, and to absorb them, thus altering the bile acid composition and reducing their concentration in the intestine.
For example, if beta-Sitosterol is given to patients with gallstones, it can prevent the formation of gallstones.
But beta-Sitosterol has both benefits and side-effects. You can check them out in our article beta-Sitosterol: 2 Research-Backed Benefits & One Side-Effect .
Foods You Can Find beta-Sitosterol In
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You find beta-Sitosterol mostly in fats and oils, nuts and seeds, and snack products.
Examples of food sources include
Foods in our nutrition tool
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If you are interested in what foods contain the most beta-Sitosterol, we recommend you visit our tool.
Here's our top-ranked list of foods that contain beta-Sitosterol.