Phytosterols In Canola LowerCholesterol

Phytosterols In Canola LowerCholesterol

MONTREALPhytosterols delivered in a functional matrix lowercholesterol, according to a study published in Metabolism (55, 3:391- 5,2006) (www.sciencedirect.com).

Researchers administered phytosterol-fortified, medium chaintriglyceride-rich, high-oleic canola (from Bunge Ltd.) and an olive oil controlto 23 overweight, hyperlipidemic men in a randomized, crossover designconsisting of two six-week periods. Fasted plasma samples were collected on thefirst and last two days of each study period. Body weight decreased by 1.68 ±0.47 kg and 1.22 ± 0.35 kg in the canola and olive oil phases,respectively. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)were lower in the canola oil phase than in the olive oil phase. High-densitylipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels did not change during either treatment.Both phases showed equal reductions in serum triacylglycerol end points.

The researchers concluded the results indicate phytosterols mixed within amedium-chain triglyceride- and high-oleic canola-rich matrix lower plasma LDL,without significantly changing HDL concentrations, in hyperlipidemic, overweightmen, and may therefore decrease the risk of cardiovascular events.