International Plant Sterols & Stanols Association (IPSSA)

??To reach 2g of plant sterols a day, how about eating 1kg of almonds, 5kg of broccoli or 8kg of oranges daily? No? Then food fortified with phytosterols could be your heart’s new secret weapon! When dietitian Carolyn Williams, PhD, RD studied abroad, she was “in awe” of the European approach to promoting good health.? “What some have dubbed a “European secret,” involves fortifying foods with plant sterols and stanols, compounds which research suggest have the potential to significantly lower LDL cholesterol in as few as two to three weeks.” Check out Carolyn’s blog to find out the European way of reaching the recommended 2g of plant sterols a day??? ??: https://lnkd.in/dWq2xXGd #HeartHealth #Phytosterols #PlantSterols #LDLCholesterol #FunctionalFoods #IPSSA #EuropeanSecret?

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for over 30% of deaths globally!? Dietitian Rhyan Geiger explains, “food is powerful and can either positively or negatively impact cholesterol levels.” “One of the main benefits of plant sterols is their ability to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol” explains Rhyan.? Plant sterols “are recognized by major health organizations worldwide” and here’s the best part: “over 140 clinical trials have shown their ability to improve heart health.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends 2 grams of plant sterols per day and “they are widely available and are a cost-effective option for lowering LDL cholesterol.” Visit Rhyan’s blog to learn how to reduce your cholesterol with plant sterols! ?? https://lnkd.in/dDx_f82z #HeartHealth #Phytosterols #PlantSterols #LDLCholesterol #FunctionalFoods #IPSSA #EuropeanSecret

Wishing you a Heart-Warming Holiday Season.? ? This holiday season, let’s keep the heart of the matter front and center—both in our celebrations and our work. As we gather around the warmth of the season, we’re reminded that a strong heart makes these moments even brighter. Warm wishes from all of us at IPSSA—because supporting heart health isn’t just what we do, it’s what we love.? ? P.S. Let’s make 2024 a year to beat (pun intended) in advancing heart health together! #HappyHolidays #HeartHealth #Welcome2025

Wishing you a Heart-Warming Holiday Season.? ? This holiday season, let’s keep the heart of the matter front and center—both in our celebrations and our work. As we gather around the warmth of the season, we’re reminded that a strong heart makes these moments even brighter. Warm wishes from all of us at IPSSA—because supporting heart health isn’t just what we do, it’s what we love.? ? P.S. Let’s make 2024 a year to beat (pun intended) in advancing heart health together! #HappyHolidays #HeartHealth #Welcome2025

As Kelsey Kunik RDN puts it, “By adding plant sterols and stanols to your diet, you can make a small adjustment with big benefits.” To reach 1.3 grams of plant sterols a day, Kelsey recommends turning to fortified foods or supplements, and says “improving your heart health doesn’t have to mean a complete diet overhaul.” Options like plant sterol-enriched spreads, yogurts, and juices make it easier to hit your daily target and lower cholesterol. One tablespoon of plant stanol-enriched spread can provide 500 milligrams of plant stanols—that’s almost half the daily recommendation! Ready to make the adjustment? Check out Kelsey’s blog for more simple tips! ??https://lnkd.in/dmHQ4Y9i #HeartHealth #Phytosterols #PlantSterols #LDLCholesterol #FunctionalFoods #IPSSA #EuropeanSecret?

Top advice from Dietitian Abbey Sharp: “Do NOT Sleep on this European Health Secret!” ?? What is this health secret? Europeans turn to foods fortified with plant sterols and stanols to support their heart health! Abbey summarizes the key research findings which suggest “Consuming 1.5-3g of phytosterols per day has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol by 7-12.5% within just 2-3 weeks in functional foods like dairy products, spreads, and salad dressings”.? Abbey?recommends: “when choosing a functional food or supplement fortified with plant sterols, look for one with 2 grams per day for an optimal dosage.” Head over to @abbeyskitchen on Instagram and TikTok for educational content and research-backed insights! #HeartHealth #Phytosterols #PlantSterols #LDLCholesterol #FunctionalFoods #IPSSA #EuropeanSecret

Dietitian Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN says “Plant Sterols and Stanols are a Simple Addition to Any Heart-Healthy Lifestyle.” ?? As a cardiovascular dietitian, Michelle is “always looking for simple ways to improve my client’s heart health," and believes "plant sterols and stanols, collectively known as phytosterols, are a simple addition to any heart-healthy lifestyle.” Michelle encourages her followers to look for fortified foods containing plant sterols and stanols. “The recommended therapeutic dose of sterols and stanols as recommended by the American Heart Association is 2 grams per day.”?? While eating sterol-rich foods is beneficial, it is difficult to get enough to lower cholesterol from food alone, and Michelle encourages her clients and followers to look for fortified foods “Plant sterols and stanols are widely used in fortified foods or as dietary supplements. They are frequently added to dairy products, drinkable yogurts, and spreadable margarine.” Check out Michelle's tips on her website and her Instagram on incorporating phytosterols into your diet to help you reach the therapeutic dose.? ? #HeartHealth #Phytosterols #PlantSterols #LDLCholesterol #FunctionalFoods #IPSSA #EuropeanSecret? ? Website: https://lnkd.in/dwm53e9Y Instagram: @heart.health.nutritionist

Dietitian Lara Clevenger MSH, RDN highlights a European secret for heart health…plant sterols and stanols! In her recent blog, Lara Clevenger notes, “In Europe, plant sterols and stanols are commonly used in functional foods and are a well-known alternative for managing cholesterol.” However, the response has been slower in the US to encourage the use of phytosterol-fortified foods as a dietary resource for improving cholesterol levels... …have you tried them? Check out the blogs authored by our featured dietitians - each piece dives into the benefits and practical applications of plant sterols and stanols in your diet. Explore their perspectives on incorporating fortified foods and discover actionable strategies to manage cholesterol levels effectively.? #HeartHealth?#Phytosterols?#PlantSterols?#LDLCholesterol?#FunctionalFoods?#IPSSA?#EuropeanSecret Link: https://lnkd.in/dWkv_vTS

Insights into Plant Sterols and Stanols for Heart Health??? Have you seen the recent blog post from dietitan Ashley Hurst highlighting the use of plant stanols and sterols for heart health? While the benefits of plant sterols and stanols, collectively known as phytosterols, are well-established, they deserve the spotlight for their contributions to heart health. These compounds have a structure similar to cholesterol; as Ashley Hurst from Crohn’s and Colitis Dietitians explains,?“because of the similar structure and function, plant sterols can compete for absorption within the digestive system. The result is that the body digests plant sterols instead of cholesterol and removes cholesterol as waste. This process can help with lowering cholesterol and improving overall health.” By embracing phytosterols, you can take helpful steps toward improving your cardiovascular health. Be sure to check out Ashley’s blog below! #HeartHealth?#Phytosterols?#PlantSterols?#LDLCholesterol?#FunctionalFoods?#IPSSA?#EuropeanSecret https://lnkd.in/eMxhD6dA

The answer to transforming your cholesterol might be right on your plate.? How Phytosterols Can Transform Your Cholesterol In the U.S., keeping our hearts healthy is a top priority. With heart disease a major concern and nearly 40% of adults facing elevated cholesterol levels, finding effective solutions is essential. Meet phytosterols - your natural, cholesterol-lowering superheroes. Found in grains, seeds, vegetable oils, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, these plant compounds are here to lend a helping hand in managing your cholesterol. So, how do these plant-based wonders work their magic? Phytosterols, or plant sterols and stanols, are nestled in the membranes of plant cells, and their structure is remarkably similar to cholesterol. This allows them to ‘compete’ with cholesterol in your digestive tract.? The result? Less cholesterol gets absorbed into your bloodstream. For the best results, research suggests you include 2.5-3g phytosterols within your healthy daily diet.This may help to lower your LDL cholesterol by up to 12.5% in 2-3 weeks. You can achieve this target with a combination of natural plant-based foods, foods formulated with phytosterols, like yogurts and spreads, or dietary supplements. Want to learn more about how phytosterols can support your heart health? Discover more at phytosterols.org. #HeartHealth #Phytosterols #PlantSterols #LDLCholesterol #FunctionalFoods #IPSSA References:?? 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease Facts & Statistics. https://lnkd.in/gpxyMTw9 (accessed Sep 26, 2024).? 2. Lin X, Racette SB, Lefevre M, et al. The effects of phytosterols present in natural food matrices on cholesterol metabolism and LDL-cholesterol: a controlled feeding trial. European journal of clinical nutrition. Dec 2010;64(12):1481-7.?? 3. Katan MB, Grundy SM, Jones P, Law M, Miettinen T, Paoletti R. Efficacy and safety of plant stanols and sterols in the management of blood cholesterol levels. Mayo Clinic proceedings. Aug 2003;78(8):965-78.?? 4. Commission Regulation (EC) No 983/2009: Article 14(1)(a) health claim referring to reduction of disease risk.?