A low-fat spread made from vegetable oil with added sterol esters could reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke for millions of people, according to a study presented today at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.
Sterol esters are similar to cholesterol, which is found in meat and dairy products.
But sterols are derived from plant oils. The substances are structurally similar to cholesterol so they interfere with cholesterol absorption in the intestines. From a public health standpoint, high cholesterol levels are a huge problem. If we can find more non-drug options that will help people lower their cholesterol levels, it would have a great impact on reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease. The one used in this study, Take Control, contains vegetable oil sterol esters from soybeans.