The Straits Times Podcasts S1E69: Can plant stanols lower my cholesterol? - Health Check Ep 69
Sep 29, 2021
Helena Gylling, Professor Emerita of Clinical Nutrition at the University of Helsinki, dives into the fascinating world of plant stanols—natural compounds that can significantly lower LDL cholesterol. She discusses their history and safety, highlighting how 2-3g daily can lead to a 9-12% reduction in bad cholesterol. Gylling explains the benefits of incorporating plant stanols into a diet alongside lifestyle changes to avoid early statin use. Listeners will learn how to maximize their effectiveness by consuming them with meals and the differences between food products and supplements.
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How Plant Stanols Work In The Body
- Plant stanols are natural compounds in vegetable oils, cereals, nuts, fruits and largely remain unabsorbed by the body.
- They reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestine and are excreted together with unabsorbed cholesterol.
Take 2–3 g Daily For Measurable LDL Drop
- Consume 2–3 grams of plant stanols daily to lower LDL cholesterol by about 9–12% within weeks.
- Expect an average absolute LDL reduction of ~0.4 mmol/L (16 mg/dL) from that dose.
Plant Stanols Add To Diets And Statins
- Combining plant stanol ester foods with other heart-healthy dietary changes can cut LDL by about 35% versus a habitual diet.
- Plant stanol esters also add on average ~10% LDL lowering when used with statins.