Study finds that consumption of cholesterol-lowering foods, including those that contain plant sterols, can help to lower cholesterol more effectively than simply a diet low in saturated fat.

A new study suggests that consuming a diet rich in nuts, soy protein, viscous fibers and plant sterols can be effective at reducing cholesterol in people with high cholesterol.   Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, this research showed that incorporating these cholesterol-lowering foods into the diet can reduce bad cholesterol more effectively than a low saturated fat diet. After six months of dietary advice encouraging intake of a “dietary portfolio,” which includes plant sterols, soy protein, viscous fibers, and nuts,  participants’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels dropped by about 13 percent compared to those counseled on a low saturated fat therapeutic diet (control),  who showed a 3% reduction in LDL at follow-up.¹

Heart health is a key driver of many of today's consumer buying decisions. More than 102 million Americans have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is above healthy levels.² Putting the power of reducing cholesterol in the hands of consumers through dietary changes is a powerful concept. According to David Jenkins, MD, Canada Research Chair at the University of Toronto and lead author on the study,  "Those who may want to follow the diet more specifically are those who are on the cusp for statin treatment."³

Cargill manufactures and markets a line of plant sterol products under the brand name CoroWise®. CoroWise® plant sterols are derived from natural plant sources and are formulated for use in food, beverages, and dietary supplements. They do not impact taste or texture, so incorporating them into foods and beverages doesn't affect the consumer taste experience. Backed by a U.S. FDA health claim and significant scientific research demonstrating their effectiveness at lowering bad cholesterol, plant sterols are capturing more and more consumer attention.

CoroWise® product forms include fine particles, granular, sterol esters, water dispersible sterol esters and emulsified sterols and can be found in a full family of cobranded products that help support heart health. 

See http://www.corowise.com/wheretobuy  for a  list of cobranded products or visit us on Facebook at Facebook.com/CoroWise.

¹http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/306/8/831.short
²CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/features/cholesterolawareness/
³http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20110823/portfolio-diet-beats-low-fat-diet-at-lowering-cholesterol