| Phytosterols are plant compounds that resemble animal cholesterol and perform similar functions in plant life.1 These substances can only enter the body through dietary sources, unlike cholesterol which is produced within the body itself. Plant sterols, a group of phytosterols, are an effective natural supplement for maintaining healthy cholesterol.2,3 By inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol from the intestinal tract, plant sterols actually help block cholesterol from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Sterols have been shown to reduce total and LDL cholesterol by up to 15 percent.4 These compounds have been used in cholesterol-reducing margarines, but many of these products contain unhealthy fats as well, so Ray & Terry recommend taking plant sterols as a supplement in pill form instead. Beta-sitosterol, typically derived from soy, is one of the most common forms of plant sterols. Its potential benefits include: - Assists in maintaining cholesterol in a normal range
- Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels5
- Supports immune system function6,7
- Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties8
Each vegicap contains 500mg plant sterols standardized to yield 200 mg of beta-sitosterol. Dosage: One vegicap twice a day, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Ray & Terry's Plant Sterols Formula contains 120 vegetarian capsules per bottle.
Ray & Terry’s Plant Sterols Formula works best if taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or
two hours after meals. We recommend that this supplement not be taken with animal fats (including milk) as these foods inhibit absorption of the phytosterols. | Supplement Facts | | Serving Size: 1 Veggie Capsule | % Daily Value |
| Plant Sterol Complex (CardioAid™ Phytosterols providing 200 milligrams of Beta-Sitosterol) | 500 mg | * |
| *% Daily Value Not Established |
| Other Ingredients: Vegetable cellulose (capsule), rice flour, stearic acid and silicon dioxide. CardioAid™ is a trademark of ADM | | ALLERGEN WARNING: Contains Soy (plant sterols) | | WARNING: This product is manufactured and packaged in a facility which may also process milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and crustacean shellfish. | CAUTION: Do not exceed the recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement. |
References: - Awad AB, Fink CS. Phytosterols as anticancer dietary components: Evidence and mechanism of action. J Nutr. 2000;130(9):2127-30.
- Cater NB, Grundy SM. Lowering serum cholesterol with plant sterols and stanols: Historical perspectives. J Postgrad Med. 1998;6-14.
- Katan MB, Grundy SM, Jones P, Law M, Miettinen T, Paoletti R; Stresa Workshop Participants. Efficacy and safety of plant stanols and sterols in the management of blood cholesterol levels. Mayo Clin Proc. 2003;78(8):965-78.
- St. Onge et al. Consumption of a Functional Oil Rich in Phytosterols and Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil Improves Plasma Lipid Profiles in Men. J. Nutr. June 2003; 133:1815-1820.
- Ivorra MD, D'Ocon MP, Paya M, Villar A. Antihyperglycemic and insulin-releasing effects of [Beta]-sitosterol 3-[Beta]-D-Glucoside and its aglycone, [Beta]-sitosterol. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther 1988;296:224-231.
- Bouic, PJD. Sterols/Sterolins: The natural, nontoxic immuno-modulators and their role in the control of rheumatoid arthritis. The Arthritis Trust 1998;Summer:3-6.
- Bouic PJD, Etsebeth S, Liebenberg RW, et al. Beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol glycoside stimulate human peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation: implications for their use as an immunomodulatory vitamin combination, Int J Immunopharmacol 1996:18:693-700.
- Gupta MB, Nath R, Srivastava N, et al. Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of [Beta]-sitosterol. Planta Medica 1980;39:157-163.
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