The Role of Phytosterols Enriched Foods-A Review

Abstract

Phytosterols exist as naturally occurring plant sterols that are present in the nonsaponifiable fraction of plant oils. Phytosterols (plant sterols and stanols) are well known for their low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering effect. Although many studies have been conducted to resolve the mechanisms of action by which phytosterols lower serum cholesterol. Dietary Phytosterols appear to play an important role in the regulation of oxidation and serum lipids and exhibit anticancer properties. However, as the study confines to the effect of phytosterol on lipid regulation, the review is confined to phytosterol and their role in control of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The information reviewed is presented under the following sections as types of Phytosterols and their structures, mechanism of action, phytosterols in foods for cvd risk reduction, phytosterols as ingredient in functional foods, stability of phytosterols in foods, safety aspects and regulatory status of phytosterols, phytosterols content in foods and phytosterol enriched products are reviewed.