European authority says phytosterols reduce cholesterol
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Scientific evidence supports blood cholesterol reduction claims on phytosterols, according to the European Food Safety Authority. EFSA's Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies determined consuming 1.5 to 2.4 grams of plant sterols and stanols daily can reduce "bad" cholesterol in the blood 7 to 10.5 percent. Sterols and stanols, which occur naturally in many fruits, vegetables and seeds, lower blood levels of low lipid density lipoprotein and block cholesterol absorption, EFSA explained in a July 31 release