Cholesterol and phytosterol: what are they? Phytosterols in food Products containing phytosterols.

Adjust your diet and include foods that can clear arteries. In this way, you will be able to improve your overall health and your heart health especially.

1) Avocado.

Instead of generously spreading mayonnaise on your bread, try putting a slice of avocado on top of it.
A 1996 study in Mexico found that people who consumed avocados daily for a week experienced a 17% drop in total cholesterol. The level of bad cholesterol decreased and the level of good cholesterol increased.
In addition, avocados are packed with B-complex vitamins that help our bodies keep nerves and brain cells in good health.
If you find it difficult to include avocado in your daily diet, try drinking a milkshake with it to unclog your arteries.
Here are the ingredients to make this shake: 2 teaspoons of low-fat milk, a large ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons of honey, ice. Place all ingredients in a mixer. Mix everything until the mixture is smooth.

2) Whole grains.

Fiber found in whole grains such as whole grain bread

3) Olive oil.

A 2011 study found that older adults over 65 who regularly used olive oil had a 41% lower risk of suffering from a blood supply to the brain than those who did not use the specified oil.
Use a little olive oil instead of the usual when preparing salads, vegetables, pasta. Olive oil is excellent for unclogging arteries.
Note, even for a healthier option, use olive oil in moderation, as it contains the same amount of calories as regular.

4) Nuts.

Eating nuts is a good heart habit to combat the habit of nibbling on high-calorie biscuits or brownies.
Almonds are very rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for good heart health. Almonds contain vitamin E and fiber. Walnuts are a delicious plant source of an Omega-3 fatty acid called linoleic acid.
Mono-unsaturated fats can help reduce bad blood cholesterol levels. As a result, it helps unclog arteries and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

5) Foods fortified with phytosterols.

Sterols are compounds that fight cholesterol in your food. Various studies have shown that sterols can reduce total blood cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels, which can also help unclog arteries.
Sterols can be found in some brands of fortified orange juice, pasta, milk. Just try to read the label to check if the margarine contains a lot of trans fats.

6) Asparagus.

This vegetable is part of the most best products to rid the arteries of fat. Asparagus helps to remove very dangerous clumps. You have a lot of chances to love this crunchy vegetable by making salads with it. Try it.

7) Pomegranate.

This fruit contains phytochemicals that act as antioxidants to protect the arterial septum from various harm.
Rich in antioxidants, pomegranate juice stimulates the body's production of nitric acid, which helps blood circulate and cleanse arteries, according to a 2005 study.

8) Broccoli.

This vegetable is rich in vitamin K, which is essential for bone formation and helps prevent calcium from damaging arteries.
Plus, broccoli is packed with fiber. And research has shown that fiber-rich diets can help lower elevated arterial pressure and reduce blood cholesterol levels. These factors help cleanse the arteries.

9) Turmeric.

It is a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation, the main cause of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries leading to thrombosis).
A 2009 study found that turmeric can help reduce fat deposits in the arteries by up to 26%. Hence, this spice helps to keep the arteries cleaner.

10) Persimmon.

Research has shown that the polyphenols present in this fruit (it contains 2 times more fiber and antioxidants than an apple) can help reduce triglyceride and bad cholesterol levels. And that means, and cleanse the arteries of dirt.

11) Orange juice.

A 2011 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking 2 glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice a day can lower high blood pressure.

12) Spirulina.

A daily dose of 4,500 mg (4.5 grams) of these blue-green microalgae (usually in powder or tablet form) can help loosen arterial septa and normalize blood pressure.
Spirulina can also help your liver balance your blood lipids by lowering cholesterol by 10% and increasing good cholesterol by 15%, according to a recent study. Consider these supplements to help clear your arteries.

13) Cinnamon.

A teaspoon of antioxidant-rich cinnamon a day can help reduce blood lipids, prevent plaque buildup in arteries, and lower bad cholesterol by up to 26%. Sprinkle cinnamon on your morning coffee or sweet pancakes to prevent blockage of arteries.

14) Cranberries.

Studies have shown that cranberries are rich in potassium, which helps lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Regular consumption of this berry can also help reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 40%, as the risk of clogged arteries is greatly reduced.

15) Coffee.

According to Dutch researchers, people who drink 3-4 cups of coffee a day for 13 years reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by about 20%, in contrast to those who do not drink coffee at all.
Moderation is the key to getting the most out of coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. Drinking too much coffee can lead to irregular heartbeats (not helping to clear clogged arteries that carry blood to your heart).

16) Cheese.

Believe it or not, cheese can help lower your high blood pressure. A recent study by researchers at the Brigham Women's Clinic and Harvard Medical School found that people who eat 3 servings of low-fat dairy a day are less likely to have systolic blood pressure than those who eat little dairy.

17) Green tea.

This product is rich in catechins, compounds that can reduce the absorption of cholesterol by the body. Hence, green tea can clear arteries.
As a bonus, green tea can help prevent cancer and weight gain.

18) Watermelon.

Not only is watermelon great for weight loss, it can also help protect your heart and unclog arteries.
A study by researchers at Florida State University found that people who received an additional 4000 mg of L-citrulline (an amino acid found in watermelon) reduced their blood pressure in 6 weeks. Researchers say this amino acid helps the body produce nitric acid, which dilates blood vessels.

19) Spinach.

The potassium and folate found in spinach help lower blood pressure and "open up" arteries. Eating a daily serving of nutrient-dense leafy vegetables such as spinach can reduce the risk of heart disease by 11%, according to a study. Include these vegetables in your green salads, scrambled eggs.

20) Salmon (and other fatty fish).

Fatty fish like mackerel, herring, tuna and salmon are packed with Omega-3. They are very good for cleansing the arteries.
Eating this fish 2 times a week can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering inflammation and triglyceride levels. It can also help you increase your good cholesterol levels.

There are many nutrients which the researchers claim may have a positive effect on heart health. Among the most famous phytosterols (phytosterol) is a plant sterol.

Found in many plants, dairy products and margarines, this substance can lower cholesterol levels and is well absorbed by the body. However, it is not so simple. There are researchers who argue that phytosterols are not as beneficial as commonly believed. Is it true?

Phytosterols, or plant sterols, are a family of molecules that in some measure resemble - are its equivalent, but only in the "bodies" of plants. Both substances have a similar molecular structure, but their metabolism is different.

They are concentrated in cell membranes, where they perform functions similar to cholesterol - they are responsible for maintaining the structure of the cell. Most often, phytosterol enters the refectory table of a modern person in the form of campesterol, sitosterol and stigmasterol. In addition, there are also stanols.

The researchers say that there are about two hundred different phytosterols in nature, and the highest concentrations of these substances are found in vegetable oils, nuts and legumes. In the human body, there are two steroline enzymes that perform a regulatory function. They determine which phytosterols can enter the bloodstream by being absorbed through the intestines.

Scientists have proven that phytosterols can lower cholesterol levels.... Researchers have even calculated that 2-3 grams of phytosterols consumed daily for 3-4 weeks can lower LDL-cholesterol (the so-called "bad") cholesterol by about 10 percent. For this reason, foods rich in plant sterols are considered very beneficial for older people as well as for those with high cholesterol.

It is believed that when entering the intestines, cholesterols and phytosterols compete for the same enzymes. As a result, the amount of absorbed cholesterol is reduced.

Back in 2002, American researchers conducted an experiment. They removed phytosterols from corn oil and asked participants to use it in food. It turned out that in all experimental subjects, the absorption of cholesterol increased by 38 percent.

But, as practice shows, phytosterols from food are not enough to fight high cholesterol. And in such cases, supplements are called for help.

"VEGETABLE CHOLESTEROL" IS DANGEROUS FOR CORE ...

Some people believe that since phytosterols can lower cholesterol levels, then they can solve another problem - to prevent cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, there is no scientific evidence for this. Researchers found no relationship between phytosterol and the risk of strokes, heart attacks, or death from heart disease.

Moreover, paradoxically, some scientists believe that sterols from plants, on the contrary, can increase the risk of deteriorating heart health.

Numerous observations have shown that too intense consumption of phytosterol increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In particular, after examining a group of men, scientists came to the conclusion that the risk of developing heart disease in people who consumed a lot of plant sterols is 3 times higher than in people in whose blood moderate levels of the substance were recorded. Other studies, in mice, have shown that phytosterol increases the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, weakens health, and provokes strokes.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that the opinions of the researchers were divided on this issue. Many of them continue to argue that phytoslerols have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

... BUT PROTECT AGAINST CANCER?

In addition to their ability to lower cholesterol levels, phytosterols can influence cancer risk. Studies have shown that people who consume foods rich in phytosterols are less susceptible to cancer of the stomach, lungs, breast, and ovaries.

Animal studies have also confirmed the ability of plant sterols to slow the growth and spread of cancerous tumors, and have proven anti-cancer properties of the substance. But to say that phytosterols are able to slow down the development of oncology in the human body, scientists are not yet ready, as they continue research.

SKIN PROTECTION

A lesser known benefit of phytosterol is skin benefit. One of the factors in its aging is the loss of collagen, the main component of connective tissue. With age, the human body loses its ability to produce, at least in such portions as in youth. German scientists conducted an experiment that discovered the benefits of preparations containing phytosterols and other natural lipids.

It turned out that plant sterols can not only slow down the process of reducing collagen production, but contribute to a more active production of the substance.

VEGETABLE OILS AS A SOURCE OF PHYTOSTEROL

Many plant foods contain significant amounts of phytosterols. Since time immemorial, nuts, seeds, legumes, vegetables and fruits have been part of the human diet. It has been suggested that ancient gatherers consumed significantly more phytosterol than modern humans.

Meanwhile, not all researchers agree with this opinion. And primarily because of vegetable oils, which are nowadays added to almost everything. And all vegetable oils are very concentrated sources of phytosterol. Therefore, supporters of a different point of view argue the opposite: modern man consumes plant sterols more than any of his ancestors.

It is also worth remembering about another type of vegetable fats - margarines, which are used no less often than liquid oils. And they also contain "plant cholesterol".

In addition, scientists remind: the cereals that so often appear on the table of modern man are effective sources sterol.

Phytosterols consumption rules:

  1. The daily portion of plant sterols should not exceed 3 g.
  2. Supplements with "plant cholesterol" are contraindicated in pregnant women and children.
  3. Overdose leads to hormonal imbalance.
  4. Abrupt rejection of phytosterol preparations after a long course can cause the so-called withdrawal syndrome and also sharply increase cholesterol levels.

WHAT IS DANGEROUS OF DEFICIENCY OF PLANT STERINS

Plant sterols, getting into human body, play the role of a hormonal regulator. Phytosterol is able to act on weakened, damaged cells and bring them back to life. The performance of most systems in the human body depends on the correct level of sterols: immune, digestive, endocrine, sexual, respiratory. Recent studies have determined the effectiveness of "plant cholesterol" in the treatment of tuberculosis.

In short, this substance is essential for the body.

And the lack of sterol can be expressed:

  • weak immunity;
  • osteoporosis and brittle bones;
  • depressive conditions;
  • chronic fatigue;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • obesity.

FOOD SOURCES

It is believed that to maintain health, an adequate portion of phytosterols is 1-3 g of the substance. Almost all plant foods can be sources of sterol. Phytosterols are found in different concentrations in different plants. Most fruits and vegetables contain from 0.01 to 0.03 g of substance per 100 g.

The most saturated sources:

  1. Oils.

Vegetable oils are the richest source of phytosterols. However, different oils contain different concentrations of the substance. For example, a tablespoon of sesame oil will provide 118 mg of phytosterol, while a similar serving of corn contains slightly more than 100 mg of sterol. Other good sources are olive and rapeseed oils. But the concentration of phytosterols by and large depends on the method of refining the product.

  1. Nuts and seeds.

It is believed that pistachios and sunflower seeds contain the most phytosterols among other foods in this group. Scientists have studied the composition of 27 varieties of nuts and seeds. In fact, the most concentrated in this category are sesame seeds and wheat germ. But since few people consume them daily, they often think of pistachios and sunflower seeds. In addition to them, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews and macadamia nuts.

  1. Legumes.

Just half a cup of beans, peas, or beans will provide approximately 100 mg of phytosterols. What makes this category of foods one of the most saturated and healthy, especially if you remember the concentration of fiber and unsaturated fats in their composition.

  1. Fortified foods.

More and more often, among the products of the food industry, there are products fortified with phytosterol. One of the reasons for this is the worldwide fight against high cholesterol, which is rapidly gaining pandemic proportions.

1 tablespoon of fortified margarine contains 850 to 1,650 mg of phytosterols. Fortified foods, the most common are mayonnaise, yogurt, milk, cheese, chocolate, orange juice, salad dressings, soy products, different types snacks. How many plant sterols are contained in food, manufacturers indicate on the product label.

  1. Other sources.

Some cereals and products from them also serve as sources of phytosterols. It has been found that about half a glass of wheat bran contains about 60 mg of plant sterols. Two slices of rye bread contain 33 mg of the substance. Brussels sprouts have 34 mg of sterols for every 100 g.

APPLICATIONS FOR PHYTOSTEROL

In addition to the food industry, where phytosterols are used to fortify products, this substance is actively used by pharmacists - as a raw material for steroid preparations.

As a medicine, plant sterols are treated:

  • cardiovascular system;
  • immune problems;
  • infertility.

And also, as has been noted more than once, they reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.

In cosmetology, plant sterol is included in many skin rejuvenation products.

Plant sterols are an integral part of the human diet as a component of vegetables, fruits, beans and many others. plant products... The modern diet contains unnaturally high concentrations of plant sterols, mainly due to the consumption of refined vegetable oils, fortified foods.

Fistosterol can lower cholesterol, but it also increases the risk of heart disease. So what to do in such a paradoxical situation? Nutritionists say that there is a solution and it is very simple: adhere to proper nutrition, compose a menu from useful products, limit consumption of fortified foods, discard harmful food additives... And what is especially important is to exclude trans fats from the diet, in which, in addition to vegetable sterol, there are a lot of harmful components.

Phytosterols have been of interest to researchers for many years. Scientists conduct all sorts of experiments using plant sterols, and discoveries are regularly shared with the world. Perhaps soon they will tell something new about "plant cholesterol".


There are many nutrients that researchers claim can have a positive effect on heart health. Among the most famous phytosterols (phytosterol) is a plant sterol.

Found in many plants, dairy products and margarines, this substance can lower cholesterol levels and is well absorbed by the body. However, it is not so simple. There are researchers who argue that phytosterols are not as beneficial as commonly believed. Is it true?

What are phytosterols

Phytosterols, or plant sterols, are a family of molecules that in some measure resemble - are its equivalent, but only in the "bodies" of plants. Both substances have a similar molecular structure, but their metabolism is different. They are concentrated in cell membranes, where they perform functions similar to cholesterol - they are responsible for maintaining the structure of the cell. Most often, phytosterol enters the refectory table of a modern person in the form of campesterol, sitosterol and stigmasterol. In addition, there are also stanols.

The researchers say that there are about two hundred different phytosterols in nature, and the highest concentrations of these substances are found in vegetable oils, nuts and legumes. In the human body, there are two steroline enzymes that perform a regulatory function. They determine which phytosterols can enter the bloodstream by being absorbed through the intestines.

Phytosterols against cholesterol

Many scientists have proven that phytosterols can lower cholesterol levels. Researchers have even calculated that 2-3 grams of phytosterols consumed daily for 3-4 weeks can lower LDL-cholesterol (the so-called "bad") cholesterol by about 10 percent. For this reason, foods rich in plant sterols are considered very beneficial for older people as well as for those with high cholesterol.

It is believed that when entering the intestines, cholesterols and phytosterols compete for the same. As a result, the amount of absorbed cholesterol is reduced.

Back in 2002, American researchers conducted an experiment. They removed phytosterols from corn oil and asked participants to use it in food. It turned out that in all experimental subjects, the absorption of cholesterol increased by 38 percent.

But, as practice shows, phytosterols from food are not enough to fight high cholesterol. And in such cases they call for help.

"Plant cholesterol" is dangerous for the heart ...

Some people believe that since phytosterols can lower cholesterol levels, then they can solve another problem - to prevent cardiovascular disease. Meanwhile, there is no scientific evidence for this. Researchers found no relationship between phytosterol and the risk of strokes, heart attacks, or death from heart disease.

Moreover, paradoxically, some scientists believe that sterols from plants, on the contrary, can increase the risk of deteriorating heart health.

Numerous observations have shown that too intense consumption of phytosterol increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In particular, after examining a group of men, scientists came to the conclusion that the risk of developing heart disease in people who consumed a lot of plant sterols is 3 times higher than in people in whose blood moderate levels of the substance were recorded. Other studies, in mice, have shown that phytosterol increases the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, weakens health, and provokes strokes.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that the opinions of the researchers were divided on this issue. Many of them continue to argue that phytoslerols have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

... but protects against cancer?

In addition to their ability to lower cholesterol levels, phytosterols can influence cancer risk. Studies have shown that people who consume foods rich in phytosterols are less susceptible to cancer of the stomach, lungs, breast, and ovaries.

Animal studies have also confirmed the ability of plant sterols to slow the growth and spread of cancerous tumors, and have proven anti-cancer properties of the substance. But to say that phytosterols are able to slow down the development of oncology in the human body, scientists are not yet ready, as they continue research.

Skin protection

A lesser known benefit of phytosterol is skin benefit. One of the factors in its aging is the loss of collagen, the main component of connective tissue. With age, the human body loses its ability to produce collagen, at least in portions as in youth. German scientists conducted an experiment that discovered the benefits of preparations containing phytosterols and other natural lipids. It turned out that plant sterols can not only slow down the process of reducing collagen production, but contribute to a more active production of the substance.

Vegetable oils as a source of phytosterols

Many plant foods contain significant amounts of phytosterols. Since time immemorial, nuts, seeds, legumes, vegetables and fruits have been part of the human diet. It has been suggested that ancient gatherers consumed significantly more phytosterol than modern humans. Meanwhile, not all researchers agree with this opinion. And primarily because of vegetable oils, which are nowadays added to almost everything. And all vegetable oils are very concentrated sources of phytosterol. Therefore, supporters of a different point of view argue the opposite: modern man consumes plant sterols more than any of his ancestors. It is also worth remembering about another type of vegetable - margarines, which are used no less often than liquid oils. And they also contain "plant cholesterol".

In addition, scientists remind: cereals, which so often appear on the table of a modern person, are effective sources of sterol.

Phytosterols consumption rules:

  1. The daily portion of plant sterols should not exceed 3 g.
  2. Supplements with "plant cholesterol" are contraindicated in pregnant women and children.
  3. Overdose leads to hormonal imbalance.
  4. Abrupt rejection of phytosterol preparations after a long course can cause the so-called withdrawal syndrome and also sharply increase cholesterol levels.

Why a deficiency of plant sterols is dangerous

Plant sterols, entering the human body, play the role of a hormonal regulator. Phytosterol is able to act on weakened, damaged cells and bring them back to life. The performance of most systems in the human body depends on the correct level of sterols: immune, digestive, endocrine, sexual, respiratory. Recent studies have determined the effectiveness of "plant cholesterol" in the treatment of tuberculosis.

In short, this substance is essential for the body. And the lack of sterol can be expressed:

  • weak immunity;
  • osteoporosis and brittle bones;
  • depressive conditions;
  • chronic fatigue;
  • hormonal imbalance;
  • obesity.

Food sources

It is believed that to maintain health, an adequate portion of phytosterols is 1-3 g of the substance. Almost all plant foods can be sources of sterol. Phytosterols are found in different concentrations in different plants. Most fruits and vegetables contain from 0.01 to 0.03 g of substance per 100 g.

The most saturated sources:

  1. Oils.

Vegetable oils are the richest source of phytosterols. However, different oils contain different concentrations of the substance. For example, a tablespoon of sesame oil will provide 118 mg of phytosterol, while a similar serving of corn contains slightly more than 100 mg of sterol. Other good sources are olive and rapeseed oils. But the concentration of phytosterols by and large depends on the method of refining the product.

  1. Nuts and seeds.

It is believed that pistachios and sunflower seeds contain the most phytosterols among other foods in this group. Scientists have studied the composition of 27 varieties of nuts and seeds. In fact, the most concentrated in this category are sesame seeds and wheat germ. But since few people consume them daily, they often think of pistachios and sunflower seeds. Other good sources are peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, and macadamia nuts.

  1. Legumes.

Just half a cup of beans, peas, or beans will provide approximately 100 mg of phytosterols. What makes this category of foods one of the most saturated and healthy, especially if you remember the concentration of fiber and unsaturated fats in their composition.

  1. Fortified foods.

More and more often, among the products of the food industry, there are products fortified with phytosterol. One of the reasons for this is the worldwide fight against high cholesterol, which is rapidly gaining pandemic proportions.

1 tablespoon of fortified margarine contains 850 to 1,650 mg of phytosterols. Fortified foods include mayonnaise, yogurt, milk, cheese, chocolate, orange juice, salad dressings, soy products, and various types of snacks. How many plant sterols are contained in food, manufacturers indicate on the product label.

  1. Other sources.

Some cereals and products from them also serve as sources of phytosterols. It has been found that about half a glass of wheat bran contains about 60 mg of plant sterols. Two slices of rye bread contain 33 mg of the substance. Brussels sprouts have 34 mg of sterols for every 100 g.

Areas of application of phytosterols

In addition to the food industry, where phytosterols are used to fortify products, this substance is actively used by pharmacists - as a raw material for steroid preparations.

As a medicine, plant sterols treat the cardiovascular system, immune problems and infertility. And also, as has been noted more than once, they reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.

In cosmetology, plant sterol is included in many skin rejuvenation products.

Plant sterols are an integral part of the human diet as a component of vegetables, fruits, beans, and many other plant foods. The modern diet contains unnaturally high concentrations of plant sterols, mainly due to the consumption of refined vegetable oils, fortified foods.

Fistosterol can lower cholesterol, but it also increases the risk of heart disease. So what to do in such a paradoxical situation? Nutritionists say that there is a way out and it is very simple: stick to the correct diet, make a menu of healthy foods, limit the intake of fortified foods, and refuse unhealthy food additives. And what is especially important is to exclude trans fats from the diet, in which, in addition to vegetable sterol, there are a lot of harmful components.

Phytosterols have been of interest to researchers for many years. Scientists conduct all sorts of experiments using plant sterols, and discoveries are regularly shared with the world. Perhaps soon they will tell something new about "plant cholesterol".

The product complies with European Directives ISO 9001, ISO 22000 and GMP directive. All ingredients are not genetically modified.

Appearance: high viscosity opalescent liquid at room temperature.

Compound

The total amount of sterols is 97%, most of which are esterified sterols. The share of free sterols is about 6%.

... β-sitosterol - max. 60%

... β-sitostanol - max. 15%

Campesterol - max. 40%

Campestanol - max. 5%

Stigmasterol - max. thirty%

Brassicasterol - max. 3%

A mixture of tocopherols and ascorbyl palmitate was used as an antioxidant additive.

It is known that plant sterols have a pronounced structural similarity to cholesterol, which makes up about one third of the lipids of the stratum corneum. Main function cholesterol is an maintaining the required rigidity and rigidity of the stratum corneum. As an alternative to cholesterol, it is possible to use vegetable fistosterols having a structural property with a cholesterol molecule.

In Bhattacharyya, Connor et all. the phytosterols consumed in food (in the amount of 350-700 mg / day) have been shown to be campesterol, beta-sitosterol and stigmaterol found in the stratum corneum... Their number reached 7%.

The main general properties of phytosterols:

  • When using plant sterols in the skin after UV radiation, a more pronounced expression of genes is observed, encoding type I collagen synthesis- COLIA1 and COLIA2;
  • Phytosterols are called "the most physiological factor of skin rejuvenation" They are believed to have a balancing effect, weakly activating estrogen receptors.
  • Phytosterols have the property of absorbing UV radiation, being natural sunscreen... (absorption level approx. 0.094 mAU * S / mmol for stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol).
  • Phytosterols stimulate cell differentiation and inhibit neoangiogenesis, help to strengthen dermal structures by inhibiting the enzymatic destruction of fibers and proteoglycans of the dermis.
  • Restrain melanogenesis, prevent the appearance of senile pigmentation and help to even out complexion.

β-sitosterol , which is the main phytosterol of this complex, has a number of its own remarkable properties.

Proven properties

  • β-sitosterol is a noncompetitive inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction testosterone → dihydrotestosterone, impedes the binding of dihydrotestosterone to specific receptors, and accelerates the breakdown of dihydrotestosterone. Due to this, the antiandrogenic effect is realized.
  • β-sitosterol has a proven anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid;
  • β-sitosterol, when taken internally, has a cholesterol-lowering effect due to the competitive absorption of cholesterol;
  • β-sitosterol has immunomodulatory properties.

Therapeutic properties relevant to cosmetology:

  • antiandrogenic, which reduces the effects of dihydrotestosterone in excess hair growth (hirsutism) in women;
  • antiandrogenic, reducing the effects of dihydrosterone in androgenetic alopecia;
  • antiandrogenic, which reduces the effects of dihydrosterone in androgenetic alopecia, some forms of acne;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • stimulation of collagen and elastin synthesis.

The use of a complex of phytosterols in cosmetics

  • As an additive to products for mature, dry, chapped skin helping to cope with age-related dryness and restoring skin elasticity;
  • As a booster supplement in any daily remedy, increasing the total sun protection factor of the emulsion;
  • How anti-age additive in any cosmetic product;
  • As an additive in soothing after-sun cosmetics;
  • In complex remedies for the correction of acne and post-acne;
  • As an additive in cosmetics for the care of the skin of the neck and décolleté;
  • As an additive in scalp cosmetics for dry and oily seborrhea.

You can use phytosterols in the composition DMS .

Derma membran Struktur - a lipid composition similar to the stratum corneum both in quantitative and qualitative composition and, if possible, to form similar spatial structures. As a rule, it contains ceramides, phytosterols and hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine (the fatty acid component is palmitic and stearic acids) in equal proportions.

All its components are physiological and their integration into the skin occurs without difficulty.

DMS possesses its own emulsifying properties, and its use makes it possible to exclude or significantly reduce the use of other, more aggressive emulsifiers. Dermamembrane structures are one of the tools corneotherapy .

Photo of DMS structure using phytosterols.

The use of phytosterols in pharmacy and medicine.

There is evidence that when phytosterols are consumed, a number of positive effects are observed:

  • decreases the level of total cholesterol (due to competition with cholesterol during absorption) (Huang et al. 2007);
  • the properties of bile improve;
  • reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (Fassbender et al. 2006)
  • Moon et al. 2007., Leeetal. 2007; Patrick and Lamprecht 1996 report the antineoplastic effect of phytosterols on colon and prostate cancer.

Moreover, phytosterols have immunomodulatory (Park et al. 2007) and anti-inflammatory (beta-sitosterol) (Parra-Delgado et al. 2004; Dickson et al. 2007) effects.

Input rate: 1-10%

Storage conditions and periods: 24 months in a cool, dark place, without direct sunlight.