On March 9, 2010, the Ministry of Health (MOH) issued the Announcement on the Approval of DHA Algae Oil, Cottonseed Oligosaccharides and 7 Other Items as New Resource Foods and Other Relevant Provisions (No. 3 of 2010), formally approving phytosterols as new resource foods. It also explains the source, structure, process, serving size, quality requirements and scope of use of phytosterols.

Phytosterols are known as the “key to life” by scientists, and are highly recommended by world authorities such as the World Heart Organization, the American Heart Association, the British Heart Foundation, the German Society for Nutritional Medicine and Therapeutics, and the Australian Society of Cardiology, etc.; and they are recognized and used in food in 47 countries around the world.

Phytosterol has the role of maintaining the balance of cholesterol in the body, and is known as “cholesterol’s nemesis” in the world of nutrition. When it enters our small intestine, it begins to play a role. Because cholesterol has to pass through the small intestine into our bloodstream and other organs, phytosterols can effectively block cholesterol at this time. Along with the waste from our intestines, it is eliminated from the body.

We know that too much cholesterol in the blood is prone to cholesterol deposition, which in turn causes blood clots and triggers cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Phytosterols start from the root, effectively inhibit the intake of exogenous cholesterol, to achieve the purpose of preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

The four truths of phytosterols can lower cholesterol

The first truth: eliminate the bad and promote the good

Phytosterols can seize the position of bad cholesterol in the intestinal tract and urge it to be excreted from the body, thus lowering the levels of total and bad cholesterol in the blood without affecting the levels of good cholesterol.

The Second Truth: Smart Management

Interestingly, phytosterols only “work” when the body’s daily cholesterol intake is above 400-450 mg. If the cholesterol intake itself is not high, phytosterols will not affect its absorption, thus helping the body to maintain a normal level of cholesterol.

The third truth: can not be synthesized by the body

This nutrient can not be synthesized by the body itself, the only way is through dietary acquisition.

The fourth truth: balanced diet

Researchers at Brandeis University found that 10 participants ate two 30-gram servings of plant sterol-rich Mexican nachos every day for four weeks, and their “bad cholesterol” was reduced by an average of 15%, while “good cholesterol” did not change, and total cholesterol was reduced. Their “bad cholesterol” decreased by 15% on average, while their “good cholesterol” did not change and their total cholesterol decreased by 10%.

Effects of Phytosterols

Phytosterols have strong anti-inflammatory effects on the human body, with the ability to inhibit the body’s absorption of cholesterol, promote the degradation of cholesterol metabolism, inhibit cholesterol biochemical synthesis and other effects.

Used in the prevention and treatment of coronary atherosclerosis type of heart disease, can promote wound healing, muscle growth, enhance capillary circulation; also can be used as a gallstone formation blocker.

Phytosterols are also important raw materials for the production of steroid drugs and vitamin D3.

Phytosterols have a high permeability to the skin, can maintain the skin surface water, promote skin metabolism, inhibit skin inflammation, sunscreen erythema can be prevented, skin aging, as well as hair growth, hair effects.