What is Beta-sitosterol?

Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol similar in structure to cholesterol, found naturally in fruits, vegetables, beans (especially soy), nuts, and seeds. Phytosterols, (plant sterols) including beta-sitosterol, contain a complex of specific types of plant sterols known as sitosterolins, stigmasterol and campesterol.

How does it work?

Beta-sitosterol actually inhibits intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol by competing for the limited space for cholesterol during intestinal uptake to lower cholesterol. It also affects an enzyme that results in the reduction of cholesterol rich lipoprotein, LDL. This can lower the LDL blood levels (to lower cholesterol). Most of the early research focused on its use in lowering cholesterol in heart disease. Nowadays, it is also used for its ability to improve the symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and several studies have been published to support its use for this.

What does the citrus pectin do?

Citrus pectin is made of fiber found in the white rind of citrus fruits, which can also be used to lower cholesterol by a mechanism of blocking its dietary absorption. In addition, it was found to inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaque on the walls of blood vessels.

Review of Cholesterol

Your blood cholesterol levels are affected not only by the saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet, but also by the cholesterol your body produces on its own, due to a myriad of biochemical influences. Cholesterol is actually a necessary component of cell membranes and is an essential building block for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids, which are important for the absorption and metabolism of fat. Cholesterol is present in all parts of the body, including the brain, nervous system, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, heart, and skeleton. Cholesterol travels in the blood bound to protein carrier packages called lipoproteins. All lipoproteins are formed in the liver and carrycholesterol throughout the body.

Cholesterol is also packaged in a high density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL carry cholesterol BACK to the liver for processing or removal from the body. HDL help remove cholesterol from the blood, preventing the accumulation in the walls of the arteries. Thus, they are referred to as the good cholesterol.

How does beta-s work for supporting prostate health?

Beta-sitosterol binds to prostatic tissue, inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the prostate and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Beta-s can also reduce the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme responsible for activating the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This prevents the cell proliferation and growth (hyperplasia) of prostate tissue that leads to all the undesirable symptoms mentioned above.

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