Everything you need to know about lowering high cholesterol with plant sterols

view original post

Have you been diagnosed with high cholesterol? If so, you’re one of 328,000 people – about 5% of the population of Ireland* – who are managing this hidden but serious health issue.

High cholesterol is often a silent issue, quietly building up in your arteries until it becomes a significant health problem. In fact, it often goes undetected until a routine blood test reveals elevated levels.

A leading risk factor for coronary heart disease, managing high cholesterol is vital. Fortunately, there are natural ways to do this without immediately resorting to statins.

Plant sterols have been known to lower cholesterol levels effectively, helping delay or completely avoid the need for stronger medications.

If you’re determined to tackle your high cholesterol the natural way, here’s why science-backed plant sterols like Healthspan’s Plant Sterol tablets are the way to go…

Pic: Getty

What is cholesterol and why is managing it so important?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to function properly. It helps make certain hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid digestion.

Your body produces cholesterol on its own, mainly in the liver, but you can also get it from foods, especially those high in animal fat.

While cholesterol is essential, too much of it is bad news, especially a type called LDL cholesterol which can lead to health problems.

Pic: Getty

When there’s too much ‘bad cholesterol’ (LDL) in your blood, it can stick to the wall of your arteries, forming a buildup called plaque.

Over time, this narrows your arteries, making it harder for blood to flow, increasing the risk of heart problems like heart attacks and strokes.

There’s also HDL cholesterol which is known as ‘good’ cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps carry excess cholesterol away from your arteries and back to the liver where it’s broken down and removed from the body.

Pic: Supplied

What are plant sterols and how are they effective in lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol?

Plant sterols (or phytosterols to use their official name) are cholesterol-like compounds found in everyday food like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Structurally, they are similar to cholesterol. Essentially, they compete with cholesterol for absorption in the intestines**, meaning less cholesterol enters your bloodstream from the food you eat.

The result is lower levels of LDL cholesterol which are key for reducing heart disease risk.

Why do many people prefer plant sterols to statins?

While statins are often prescribed to manage high cholesterol, they can come with unwanted side effects like muscle pain and fatigue.

If you have mild to moderately high cholesterol, plant sterols offers a natural alternative to managing the issue.

Healthspan Plant Sterols are scientifically shown to lower cholesterol with just 2-3 tablets a day. Taken regularly, these plant-based supplements compete with dietary cholesterol for absorption, effectively helping to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Making Healthspan Plant Sterols a part of your daily routine is a simple, effective step towards healthier cholesterol levels.

By taking 2-3 tablets a day, you’ll receive 2,400mg of plant sterols (as well as high levels of the active molecules ‘beta−sitosterols’) which is enough to support a substantial reduction in cholesterol without the extra calories in sterol-enriched margarine or dairy products.

Pic: Getty

How successful are people in lowering cholesterol with Healthspan Plant Sterols?

Healthspan is trusted by over a million customers for their health and wellness needs and their Plant Sterols are crafted to deliver the highest quality and effectiveness.

The tablets are gelatin-free, suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

With over 5,196 verified reviews online, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive with thousands of happy customers delighted with the results from taking the tablets.

‘They do actually work,’ one person says. ‘My blood test from the GP says so! My Cholesterol DROPPED significantly within the first month of taking them.’

‘My cholesterol in March was 6.7. I started taking 3 tablets a day and it’s now 5.3 from a blood test taken in June,’ added another.

Pic: Supplied

‘My husband has been using your plant sterols since he was diagnosed with high cholesterol and it has brought it back down to normal levels,’ enthused a third.

Please note, if you are already taking statins, you should speak to your doctor before making any changes.

Explore Healthspan’s complete range of vitamins and supplements, crafted to support your health needs at every stage of life by visiting healthspan.ie

* Latest stats www.healthspan.ie/advice/body/how-to-lower-cholesterol/#:~:text=A%20Healthy%20Ireland%20Survey%20conducted,cholesterol%20–%20that%27s%20around%20328%2C000%20people.

** 800 mg plant sterols a day (1 tablet) helps to maintain normal cholesterol levels [see https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1813]. Cholesterol-lowering benefit obtained with an intake of 1500 – 3000 mg plant sterols (2-3 tablets a day) [see https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2009.1177]