Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is one key to having a healthy heart. Cholesterol is the sticky, plaque like substance in the blood which can build up on our arteries blocking blood flow to the heart. If Cholesterol goes unchecked it can block blood flow to the heart entirely, causing frightening consequences. According to the American Heart Association, more than 100 million Americans suffer from high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is made of two components: HDL, high density lipids, the ’good’ cholesterol, and LDL, low density lipids, the ’bad’ cholesterol. HDL is known as ’good’ cholesterol because it removes cholesterol blockages from the lining of the arteries. LDL is known as ’bad’ because it the cholesterol which builds up blockage on the artery walls.

Plant sterols and stanols, also known as phytosterols, are a naturally occurring substance present in everything from nuts to vegetables. The molecular structure of plants sterols and stanols is similar to that of dietary cholesterol, and they can trick the body into absorbing it, instead of actual cholesterol. Because of this structural similarity to cholesterol, plants sterols and stanols can result in a significant drop in LDL cholesterol--as much as 24% according to one study. More than 40 years of research on plant sterols and stanols have demonstrated their long-term ability to reduce cholesterol levels safely, and that they have demonstrated virtually no known side effects.

While plants sterols and stanols are naturally occurring in many foods, in the average daily diet only 200-300 mg are consumed in the daily diet by most people. The studies, however, which show the dramatic drop in LDL cholesterol used 1.8-2 grams of plant sterols and stanols per day. A supplement of plant sterols and stanols, as found in Nature Made’s Cholest-off, can make it easier to reach the desired intake of 1.8-2 grams of plant sterols and stanols per day. Exercise and diet also play an essential role in maintaining a healthy heart and cholesterol level. A combination of plants sterols and stanols, diet and exercise can help ensure your heart health now, and for years to come.