Phytosterols are chemically similar to cholesterol, having cholesterol-lowering activity. The mechanism of the cholesterol-lowering activity of Phytosterols is not fully understood. They appear to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol and the reabsorption of endogenous cholesterol from the gastrointestinal tract. It is believed that Phytosterols displace cholesterol from bile salt micelles. Another proposed mechanism is the possible inhibition of the rate of cholesterol esterification in the intestinal mucosa. Phytosterols may be beneficial in people with the conditions like heart disease, autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.
Phytosterols block the absorption of cholesterol from foods. They have been shown to lower the harmful LDL cholesterol without affecting the beneficial HDL levels. High LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Phytosterols help reduce the activity of the cells that cause inflammation, restoring the normal balance to the immune system and allowing the body to repair itself. People with chronic viral infections, tuberculosis, allergies, lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and Crohn's disease may benefit from Phytosterols. Similalry, they have been reported to reduce swelling, redness and pain and improve mobility in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies suggest that Phytosterols may offer protection from colon, lung breast and prostate cancer. It is thought Phytosterols may protect against cancer in several ways. They affect the membrane structure of the tumor and interfere with tumor growth. They also boost the person's immune system, enabling them to fight the disease.
References:
PDR Health. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/phy_0205.shtml
Health point technologies. http://au.health.yahoo.com/041101/25/1ula.html
Australian Organic Food Directory. http://www.organicfooddirectory.com.au/phytosterols.php
