noun
- Sterol compounds found in plants that are structurally similar to cholesterol and are believed to help lower blood cholesterol levels in humans.
Usage: Usually used in plural form; Also called plant sterols; Common in nutrition and health contexts
Examples
- Phytosterols are naturally present in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
- Many functional foods are fortified with phytosterols to help reduce cholesterol.
- Studies show that consuming phytosterols daily may lower LDL cholesterol levels.
- Margarine enriched with phytosterols has become a popular health product.
- The phytosterols in whole grains contribute to their cardiovascular benefits.