Cholesterol has a way of creeping up on us, just as birthdays do. But we can help support our cardiovascular health by taking well-chosen supplements, alongside a healthy diet and gentle exercise. Plant Sterols and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) complement each other in various processes in the body: one helps usher excess LDL cholesterol out of the spotlight; the other helps your cells make energy. Let’s look at how they work, why they pair so well, and how to use Woods Health Plant Sterols and Woods Health Coenzyme Q10 in a practical, everyday way.

Plant sterols 101: the cholesterol bouncers Plant sterols are natural compounds found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. They look a lot like cholesterol to your gut’s transport system. That lookalike status is the trick: sterols compete with dietary LDL cholesterol for absorption in the small intestine. Think of sterols as friendly “bouncers” at the nightclub door.

What the science says

LDL reduction you can measure: Research shows that intake of 1.5 - 3 g/day of plant sterols may lower LDL cholesterol by roughly 7 - 12% over a few weeks.

How to take them for the best results

• Dose and timing: This can be increased slowly, starting from 800mg per day, as recommended on the bottle. Take them with a main meal that includes some healthy fat (that’s how sterols get into the micelles they need for their “bouncer” job), such as avocado or olive oil.
• Expect a steady response: In clinical trials, people began to see a drop in LDL Cholesterol after a few weeks.

CoQ10 101: your midlife mitochondrial wingman Coenzyme Q10 is made in your body and lives in mitochondrial membranes (in the body’s cells) where energy is produced, acting like a spark plug in the mitochondrial engine. Levels naturally decline with age.

What the science says

Energy support where you need it: CoQ10 plays a central role in mitochondrial ATP production and therefore supports the heart and skeletal muscle.

How to take it for the best results

• Dose and format: 100–200 mg/day is the sweet spot for general cardiovascular support.
• Timing: Take with a meal that contains some healthy fat. Because CoQ10 can feel “energising,” many prefer to take it in the morning or at lunchtime rather than late in the evening.

Why do plant sterols and CoQ10 belong together?

• Different jobs, shared goal: Plant sterols lower LDL by reducing absorption. CoQ10 supports mitochondrial energy. Lowering LDL and improving energy production are a win-win for vascular health.
• Fine-tuning the pairing: Both are fat-soluble and use similar digestive “transport lanes.” There’s no firm evidence of a problem taking them together, but a practical tip is to take your sterols with one main meal and your CoQ10 with another. This approach helps each get VIP access to the absorption queue.

How long until you notice a difference?

It will take a few weeks of daily plant sterol and coenzyme Q10 intake to start showing a difference.

What about food and lifestyle alternatives? A healthy diet still matters most. To lower LDL and support vascular health, consider:

• The “portfolio” approach: more viscous fibre (oats, barley, whole grain wheat), nuts, legumes; each contributes a modest LDL reduction that adds up. And remember to increase your water intake when increasing your fibre intake.
• Oily fish 1–2 times weekly for omega-3s (or consider a fish oil supplement).
• Gentle exercise, such as walking, resistance training, sleep, and stress care, is unglamorous but powerful.

Bottom line: Pairing Woods Health Plant Sterols with Co-Enzyme Q10 is a sensible, evidence-supported strategy. Add a healthy, colourful, varied diet and daily movement, and you have a plan for supporting your body.

Always consult your GP before starting any new supplements, especially if you are on prescription medication or have a medical condition.

References

• Katan MB, et al. (2003) Efficacy and safety of plant stanols and sterols in the management of blood cholesterol levels. Mayo Clinic Proceedings.78:965–978.
• Demonty I, Ras RT, van der Knaap HCM, et al. (2009) Continuous dose–response relationship of the LDL-cholesterol–lowering effect of phytosterol intake. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
• Ras RT, Geleijnse JM, Trautwein EA. (2014) LDL-cholesterol-lowering effect of plant sterols and stanols across different dose ranges: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. British Journal of Nutrition.112:214–219.
• Hendriks HFJ, et al. (2003) Safety of long-term consumption of plant sterol esters-enriched spread. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition; 57:681–692.
• Rosenfeldt FL, et al. (2007) Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis of the clinical trials. Journal of Human Hypertension;21:297–306.
• Qu H, et al. (2018) Effects of coenzyme Q10 on statin-induced myopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine.
• Marcoff L, Thompson PD. (2007) The role of coenzyme Q10 in statin-associated myopathy: a systematic review. Journal of the American College of Cardiology; 49:2231–2237.
• Littarru GP, Tiano L. (2005) Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q10: An update. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care;8:641–646.
• Garrido-Maraver J, et al. (2014) Coenzyme Q10 therapy. Molecular Syndromology;5(3–4):187–197.

By the time most of us celebrate our mid‑40s, two things tend to creep up: wisdom and LDL cholesterol. The good news? Midlife cholesterol isn’t a plot twist; it’s manageable.

One of the most reliable, well‑researched helpers is plant sterols. They work locally in the gut, think of them as tactical diplomats rather than sledgehammers, and they can trim LDL cholesterol by a meaningful amount when used consistently. If you prefer a convenient, calorie‑free route over a daily sterol yoghurt drink, a high‑quality supplement like Woods Health Plant Sterols makes the habit simple to sustain.

Why does cholesterol start misbehaving after 45

This is the age where subtle physiological changes are becoming more evident. Hormonal shifts, a little visceral fat here and there, and diet choices all contribute to higher levels of LDL cholesterol. But this is where plant sterols fit in.

Plant sterols 101

Plant sterols, also called phytosterols and are naturally occurring compounds in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, whole grains, and legumes. On a molecular level, they look strikingly like cholesterol. That resemblance is their power.

How they help:

• When you eat, your gut packages fats and cholesterol into tiny transport bubbles so they can be absorbed.
• Plant sterols are lookalikes, so they hop into those bubbles and nudge out some of the LDL cholesterol that would otherwise get through.
• Less cholesterol absorbed means less sent to the bloodstream; over time, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels reduce.

They do all this locally in the intestine. They’re not trying to redesign your metabolism; they’re simply trying to crowd out LDL cholesterol at the point of entry. Studies show that a daily intake of around 1.5 - 3.0 grams of plant sterols typically start to lower LDL cholesterol within a few weeks.

“Can’t I just eat them?”

A healthful diet naturally contains plant sterols, but usually not enough to reach the therapeutic range. Most people get in the region of 200 - 600 mg daily from food. You could assemble that from large amounts of specific foods or rely on fortified spreads and yoghurt drinks, which can work if you have them daily in the recommended portions.

But you may not want to eat these particular foods every day, or you may be travelling a lot and may not have access to them, or you may be watching your calorie intake levels. That’s where supplements shine: they give you a precise, measured dose without extra fat, sugar, or menu negotiations.

Why I recommend Woods Health Plant Sterols for 45+

If you like a straightforward, low-fuss approach, Woods Health Plant Sterols are built for exactly that. Each tablet provides 800 mg of plant sterols, so taking two to three tablets daily puts you squarely in the evidence‑based range (1.6 - 2.4 g/day). The dose is easy to split with meals and there are no hidden calories.

How to use plant sterols well (the practical bit)

• Dose: Aim for 0.8 - 2.4 g/day.
• Timing: Take with meals that contain a little fat. Fat helps form the micelles (tiny transporters) that sterols need to block LDL cholesterol effectively. Breakfast and your main meal are good options.
• Consistency: It takes a few weeks of daily intake to start making a difference to LDL cholesterol levels in the body.

The midlife “sterol + lifestyle” plan

Sterols aren’t a magic wand, but they are a good start. Here are some dietary and lifestyle tips that can aid your health:

1. Three food changes:

• Add soluble fibre daily: Eating oats at breakfast, adding legumes such as lentils, mung beans or chickpeas at lunch or dinner. Soluble fibre binds bile acids, encouraging your liver to use more cholesterol to make new ones, and in doing so, helps to lower circulating cholesterol levels. Drinking the recommended 6-8 glasses of water a day helps when adding more fibre to your diet.
• Swap in unsaturated fats: Enjoy nuts, seeds, and avocado in sensible portions; choose oily fish twice weekly and use olive oil or rapeseed oil in moderation. These foods improve LDL cholesterol handling.
• Build a colourful plate: A rainbow of vegetables and fruit not only supports heart health but also helps offset the small, reversible dip in carotenoid levels that sterols can produce.

2. Move like your heart depends on it

• Including exercise in your daily routine will help your body in many ways. It doesn’t have to be epic, as consistency is best.

3. Sleep and stress: the quiet multipliers

• Midlife sleep can go sideways. Good sleep aids the body in regulating appetite, blood lipids, and blood pressure. Stress-reducing habits (breathing techniques, short walks, morning light) also help to make positive changes in your body.

FAQ’s

• Do plant sterols lower HDL (good) cholesterol or triglycerides?
  Their superpower is LDL reduction. Changes in HDL or triglycerides are typically modest or neutral. That’s fine, LDL cholesterol is the main target for plant sterols.
• Are there side effects?
  Plant sterols are well‑tolerated by most adults. A small decrease in blood carotenoids (such as beta‑carotene) can occur, which is typically offset by eating more colourful fruit and vegetables.
• Do I have to take them forever?
  There’s no “forever,” but sterols work when you take them. If you stop, LDL tends to drift back. Think of them like your brisk walk habit: simple, sustainable, and beneficial as long as it’s part of your routine.

As you age, your body needs more help and these daily choices compound in your favour. An LDL cholesterol reduction from plant sterols, plus improvements from a healthier diet, regular movement and better sleep, these all add up. Your arteries don’t care whether the improvements came from oats, olive oil, or a tablet with breakfast. They care that LDL particles are reduced and inflammation is calmer.

This article is for information only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your GP if you have concerns about your cholesterol levels. If you take prescription medications or have existing medical conditions, check with your GP first before starting any new supplements.

References and further reading:

• Demonty I, Ras RT, van der Knaap HCM, et al. Continuous dose–response relationship of the LDL‑cholesterol‑lowering effect of phytosterol intake. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009; 139(2); 271-284
• Ras RT, Geleijnse JM, Trautwein EA. LDL‑cholesterol‑lowering effect of plant sterols and stanols across different food matrices: a meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials. British Journal of Nutrition. 2014;112(2):214–219.
• Gylling H, Plat J, Turley S, et al. Plant sterols and plant stanols in the management of dyslipidaemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis. 2014;232(2):346–360.
• Katan MB, Grundy SM, Jones P, Law M, Miettinen T, Paoletti R. Efficacy and safety of plant stanols and sterols in the management of blood cholesterol levels. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2003;78(8):965–978.
• Hendriks HFJ, Weststrate JA, van Vliet T, Meijer GW. Spreads enriched with plant sterol esters reduce serum cholesterol and affect fat‑soluble vitamins. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1999;53(4):319–327.
• ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk. European Heart Journal. 2019 (published 2020);41:111–188. (Endorses 1.5–2 g/day plant sterols/stanols as an adjunct for LDL‑C reduction.)
• Trautwein EA, McKay S. The role of specific components of plant‑based foods in reducing cholesterol. Nutrients. 2020; 12(9): 2671
• Miettinen TA, Puska P, Gylling H, Vanhanen H, Vartiainen E. Reduction of serum cholesterol with sitostanol‑ester margarine in a mildly hypercholesterolemic population. New England Journal of Medicine. 1995;333(20):1308–1312.
• National Lipid Association. Recommendations for Patient‑Centered Management of Dyslipidemia. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. 2015;9(2):129–169. (Supports use of plant sterols/stanols as part of lifestyle therapy for LDL‑C lowering.)

If you’re over 45, chances are you’ve seen the ads: a heroic dollop of cholesterol-lowering spread onto breakfast toast. Fortified spreads and yoghurt drinks have been recommended for their plant sterols for years, and with good reason. They work. But are they the most practical way to get your daily dose? Or, if you’d rather not eat margarine every day, are tablets a more convenient route?

Let’s unpack the science, the pros and cons, and how a quality supplement like Woods Health Plant Sterols can fit into a realistic routine.

What plant sterols do (and why you might want them)

Cholesterol in your diet and bile mixes with fat in your gut; micelles (tiny fat bubbles) ferry it to your intestinal wall for absorption. Plant sterols look enough like cholesterol to muscle into those micelles and crowd out the real thing. Result: less cholesterol gets absorbed, more leaves your body. This happens locally in the gut—sterols don’t need to get into your bloodstream to work.

• The benefit in a nutshell: Plant sterols, a type of phytosterol, help to lower LDL-cholesterol (the ‘harmful’ cholesterol) levels by reducing its absorption in the gut. Think of them as polite bouncers at the cholesterol nightclub: they take up the seats so less dietary LDL-cholesterol gets in.
• How much they help: Scientific research has shown that intakes of about 1.5–3.0 g/day, can result in around a 7-12% drop in LDL-cholesterol after a few weeks. And 0.8 g/day can help to maintain normal cholesterol levels.
• Add-on effect: Plant sterols add to—rather than replace—the effect of statins. Always check in with your GP about this if you are on statins.
• The fine print: Sterols can slightly reduce blood levels of carotenoids (like beta-carotene) because they share absorption routes; this is easily offset by eating more colourful vegetables.

Fortified foods: the case for spreads and yoghurt drinks

The classic carriers are fat-based spreads and yoghurt drinks. They’re convenient because the sterols are delivered in a food that’s typically eaten with meals.

Pros

• Evidence-rich: Many clinical trials have tested spreads and dairy-style drinks.
• “Built-in” timing: People often consume them with meals—ideal for sterols to do their job.
• Practical for some habits: If you usually use spread on toast or have a daily yoghurt drink, this is an option for you.

Cons

• Dose depends on portion: You need enough each day—often 1–3 servings. If you use a tiny smear of spread, you might not reach the 0.8 – 2.4 g/day sweet spot.
• Calories and extras: Spreads add fat and calories; yoghurt drinks can add sugar and calories. That’s fine if it fits your diet—but not ideal if you’re watching your weight or prefer olive oil or butter.
• Taste and preference: Not everyone wants a daily margarine or a sweet dairy drink.
• Cost variability: Depending on the brand and supermarket, the daily cost can be similar to or higher than tablets.

Supplements: how tablets measure up

Quality plant sterol supplements, such as The Woods Health Plant Sterols, contain concentrated phytosterols. The active ingredient is from the same family as those found in advertised spreads—just without the added calories. These plant-derived sterols are the business end of the product; they’re the reason LDL falls.

Pros

• Dose control and consistency: It’s easier to know if you’re getting 0.8–2.4 g/day when your label tells you exactly how much is in each tablet or serving.
• Calorie-free delivery: No extra fat or sugar alongside your sterols.
• Flexibility: Works for butter/olive oil loyalists, intermittent fasters and travellers.
• Budget-friendly options: Many supplements compete well on cost per gram.

Important practical tip

• Take sterol tablets with a main meal that contains some fat. That fat helps form the micelles that sterols need to block cholesterol absorption effectively. Breakfast or your largest meal is ideal.

Always check the label for:

• Amount of plant sterols per tablet (so you can reach 0.8–2.4g/day if LDL reduction is the goal, or at least 0.8 g/day for maintenance).
• Tablet type and any additional excipients if you have dietary preferences or intolerances.

So which is better for daily intake of plant sterols: fortified food or tablets?

Short answer: whichever you’ll actually use daily and at the right dose. Longer answer: here’s a practical comparison to help you choose:

• Hitting the evidence-based dose
  • Spreads/drinks: Effective if you consume the full recommended amount every day. A “light scrape” on toast won’t cut it.
  • Tablets: Easy to dose precisely. You can split doses with meals for comfort.
• Calories
  • Spreads/drinks: Add calories (and sometimes sugar in drinks).
  • Tablets: Essentially zero calories.
• Lifestyle fit
  • Spreads/drinks: Great if toast and daily dairy drinks are already your habits.
  • Tablets: Better if you prefer butter/olive oil, do low-carb, or dislike dairy drinks.
• Taste and variety
  • Spreads/drinks: Taste varies; some love them, some don’t.
  • Tablets: No change to meals.
• Cost per gram
  • Spreads/drinks: Can be cost-effective, but prices vary widely by brand.
  • Tablets: Often competitive, especially over a 2-3 month supply.

Support with diet and lifestyle

Sterols play very nicely with:

• Foods that contain soluble fibre (oats, barley, beans, psyllium)
• A Mediterranean-style diet (veg, fruit, legumes, nuts, whole grains, fish, olive oil)
• Regular physical activity (brisk walking plus some resistance workouts)
• Weight management and good sleeping habits

These all add up, often yielding larger cholesterol-lowering improvements than any single step on its own. A healthy, varied diet is an important part of maintaining health.

Key takeaways

• Spreads/drinks work if you take the full daily serving; tablets make dosing exact.
• Pair plant sterols with a high-fibre, healthy diet and regular activity for additional benefits.

Please consult your GP if you have any existing or new medical conditions, or are on medication, before you start taking food supplements.

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References and further reading:

• EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (2012). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to plant sterols and plant stanols and lowering of LDL-cholesterol. EFSA Journal. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2693
• EFSA (2010). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to plant sterols and plant stanols and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol. EFSA Journal. https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1813
• Demonty I, Ras RT, van der Knaap HCM, et al. (2009). Continuous dose–response relationship of the LDL-cholesterol–lowering effect of phytosterol intake. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622066421
• Katan MB, Grundy SM, Jones P, Law M, Miettinen T, Paoletti R. (2003). Efficacy and safety of plant stanols and sterols in the management of blood cholesterol levels. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.4065/78.8.965

If you’ve recently had a conversation about cholesterol with your doctor, you’re not alone. For many of us, seeing those numbers on a test result can feel a little daunting. It often sparks a desire to take proactive control of our health. We start eating more greens, maybe dust off the running shoes, and begin looking for natural ways to support our heart health.

In this search, you may have come across two words that are gaining a lot of well-deserved attention: Plant Sterols. But what are they? Are they just another health fad, or is there real science behind their benefits? Let's dive in. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these remarkable plant compounds—what they are, how they work, and how you can use them as a powerful tool in your personal wellness journey.

What Exactly Are Plant Sterols?

In the simplest terms, plant sterols (and their cousins, plant stanols) are cholesterol-like compounds found naturally in plants. Their scientific name is phytosterols—"phyto" being the Greek word for plant. Think about the cell walls of a plant. Just as our bodies use cholesterol to build and maintain our cell membranes, plants use sterols for their own structural integrity. You can find them in small amounts in many of the healthy foods you likely already eat: vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Here’s the fascinating part: on a molecular level, plant sterols look almost identical to the cholesterol found in our bodies. And this structural similarity is the secret to their power.

The Science Explained: How a Simple Plant Compound Can Lower Cholesterol

To understand how plant sterols work, we need a quick tour of our digestive system.

When you eat a meal containing fat and cholesterol, your body gets to work breaking it down in the small intestine. Tiny packages called micelles are formed to carry the fat and cholesterol from your gut into your intestinal cells for absorption. Think of these as tiny taxis, and cholesterol is the passenger needing a ride. For cholesterol to be absorbed, it has to get inside one of these taxis.

This is where plant sterols perform their magic.

Because they look so much like cholesterol, they essentially compete for the same seats in the taxi. When you have enough plant sterols present in your gut, they elbow their way into the micelles, taking up the space that cholesterol would have otherwise occupied.

The result? A significant portion of the dietary and biliary cholesterol is blocked from being absorbed. It has nowhere to go, so it simply passes through your body and is excreted as waste. Less cholesterol absorbed into your bloodstream means lower levels of LDL cholesterol—often called the "bad" cholesterol—circulating in your body.

It’s a beautifully simple and effective mechanism. They aren’t changing your body’s chemistry or shutting down a natural process; they are simply running interference right where it counts—in the gut. The scientific consensus, backed by decades of research, is that a consistent intake of plant sterols can lower LDL cholesterol by up to 10-15%.

Where Can You Find Plant Sterols? Food vs. Supplements

So, if these compounds are in everyday foods, can’t you just get enough by eating a healthy diet?

This is a great question, and the answer reveals why concentrated sources have become so important.

1. Natural Food Sources

A healthy, plant-rich diet is fantastic for countless reasons, and it will provide you with a baseline level of plant sterols. For example:

• Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are good sources.
• Almonds, walnuts, and pecans contain them.
• Wheat germ, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli offer small amounts.

However, the average Western diet provides only about 200-400mg of plant sterols per day. While beneficial, this isn't enough to achieve the significant cholesterol-lowering effect seen in clinical studies.

The Challenge: Reaching the Therapeutic Dose

Research has pinpointed the "sweet spot" for cholesterol reduction. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other global health bodies state that a daily intake of 1.5 - 3.0 grams (that's 1,500 - 3,000mg) of plant sterols/stanols is needed to achieve that significant 10-11.3% reduction in LDL cholesterol.

To get 2 grams (2,000mg) from food alone, you would need to eat an unrealistic amount—something like 100 apples or over 400 tomatoes every single day! Clearly, that’s not practical.

This is why concentrated sources were developed.

2. Concentrated Sources: Fortified Foods and Supplements

To bridge this gap, you have two main options:

• Fortified Foods: You've probably seen these in the supermarket—margarine spreads, yogurts, and milks with "added plant sterols." These can be effective and are a popular choice for many. However, they can have downsides. They may contain extra calories, sugars, or artificial ingredients you don't want. Plus, you have to commit to eating those specific products every single day to get the benefit.
• Supplements: This is where convenience meets precision. A plant sterol supplement offers a direct, measured, and pure dose without any extra baggage. It’s a simple, calorie-free way to ensure you are consistently hitting that therapeutic target.

Are Plant Sterols Right for You? A Balanced View

Plant sterols are a fantastic tool, but it's important to see them as part of a bigger picture. They may be effective for:

• People who want to enhance their lifestyle efforts. If you're already improving your diet and exercising, adding plant sterols can give you an extra, targeted boost.
• Individuals with mildly to moderately elevated cholesterol levels who are looking for a natural, science-backed first step. But you should always first check with your GP if you may need medication for this.
• Those taking statins (under medical supervision). Because they work in different ways, taking statins and plant sterols can have an additive effect. However, you must speak with your GP before combining supplements with any prescription medication.

It's crucial to remember that plant sterols are not a "magic pill" that can undo the effects of a poor diet. They work best as a partner to a heart-healthy lifestyle rich in fibre, healthy fats, and regular movement.

In terms of safety, plant sterols are very well-tolerated. The only notable side effect is that they can slightly reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins, particularly beta-carotene. This is easily offset by simply ensuring you eat a colourful diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, which will benefit you in other ways too.

Making a Smart Choice for Your Heart Health

Taking control of your health is an empowering journey. It’s about making small, consistent choices that add up to a big impact over time. Plant sterols represent one of the most effective, evidence-based natural choices you can make for your cardiovascular wellness.

By opting for a supplement, you remove the guesswork. You get a precise, potent dose in a simple, easy-to-take format. When choosing a supplement, quality and dosage matter. That's why a product like Woods Health 800mg Plant Sterols is an excellent choice. Each tablet provides a high-strength 800mg dose, making it easy to achieve the recommended daily intake of two to three tablets. Manufactured to strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, you can be confident you're getting a pure and effective product.

The Takeaway

Your cholesterol numbers are not a final verdict—they are a starting point. They are a call to action, inviting you to become an active participant in your own health. Plant sterols offer a safe, natural, and scientifically proven way to answer that call. They work with your body to actively lower cholesterol, complementing a healthy diet and lifestyle to help you build a stronger, healthier heart for the future.

As with any change to your health regimen, it is always best to speak with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional to ensure it is the right choice for your individual circumstances.

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References and Further Reading

1. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). (2012). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to plant sterols and lower/reduced blood cholesterol and reduced risk of (coronary) heart disease pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal, 10(5), 2693.
2. Gylling, H., et al. (2014). Plant sterols and plant stanols in the management of dyslipidaemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis, 232(2), 346-360.
3. Ras, R. T., Geleijnse, J. M., & Trautwein, E. A. (2014). LDL-cholesterol-lowering effect of plant sterols and stanols across different food matrices: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. British Journal of Nutrition, 112(2), 214-219.
4. Heart UK. (n.d.). Plant Sterols and Stanols. The Cholesterol Charity. Retrieved from https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/plant-sterols-and-stanols
5. AbuMweis, S. S., Jew, S., & Ames, N. P. (2010). β-glucan from barley and its lipid-lowering capacity: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 64(12), 1472-1480.
6. Corliss, J. (2025). How it is made: Cholesterol production in your body. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/how-its-made-cholesterol-production-in-your-body
7. Taylor, V. (2025). Can I use stanols and sterols to reduce my cholesterol? British Heart Foundation. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/stanols-and-sterols#:~:text=If%20you%27re%20taking%20statins,the%20effect%20can%20be%20cumulative.