As plant components, phytosterols may offer protection against cancer by several different means. Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests phytosterols have a protective effect. Long term studies show an association between the amount of plant sterol consumed in the diet and developing cancer. For example, there is a much higher incidence of colon, prostate and breast cancers in Western societies compared to asian societies, where they consume 3 to 4 times the amount of phytosterols. In an experimental study recently published in Anticancer Research, mice with human cancer cells were fed either a phytosterol diet or a cholesterol diet.
Peanuts are also one of the few foods that contain the plant chemical resveratrol .
This sterol has been associated with reduced cardiovascular disease and reduced cancer risk. Resveratrol is most widely known for its presence in grape skins and red wine and may be one of the compounds responsible for the known health benefits of red wine consumption. Dr Tim Sanders and his team of researchers at the US Department of Agriculture found that peanuts have a significant amount of resveratrol. This means that ounce for ounce, peanuts contain almost 30 times as much resveratrol as grapes. Phytosterols and Heart Disease Traditionally, scientists have looked at plant sterols for their benefits in preventing heart disease .