How do plant compounds help reduce cholesterol absorption? Meet phytosterols

Phytosterols: plant compounds that work in the intestine

Phytosterols are natural plant compounds with a structure similar to cholesterol. They help the intestine absorb less cholesterol into the body. Research shows they can lower LDL, often called “bad cholesterol,” when consumed in the types and amounts studied.

Think of competition for space as fats prepare to be absorbed. If less cholesterol enters this stage, less is absorbed into the body.

References: Oregon State: phytosterols

Understanding the mechanism in 3 steps

1. Similar structures — Phytosterols have a structure close to that of cholesterol, so they compete for space during the steps that prepare fats for absorption in the intestine.
2. Less cholesterol is absorbed — Phytosterols interfere with cholesterol entering the body through the intestine, while very little of the phytosterols themselves is absorbed.
3. Effects on LDL — By reducing cholesterol absorption, phytosterols in the amounts studied can help lower blood LDL.

LDL carries cholesterol in the blood. Phytosterols act in the intestine, helping reduce the cholesterol that enters the body. They do not trap LDL from food.

References: Oregon State: phytosterols · AHA: blood lipid types

Which foods contain it, and how do you choose with quantities in mind?

Beans, seeds, whole grains and plant oils are natural phytosterol sources. These compounds have also been reported in avocado oil.

Finding a compound in an ingredient does not tell us that we will receive the amount used in research. If you are choosing a product specifically for phytosterols, check how much it provides in each labelled serving.

The available Avocado Plus information specifies 500 mg of avocado oil per softgel but does not state phytosterol content. The oil quantity cannot represent phytosterol quantity or confirm the product's LDL-lowering effect.

Read more about Healthy fats in avocado oil and Understanding cholesterol results

References: Oregon State: phytosterols · Molecules: avocado oil · GENISÉ: Avocado Plus

Avocado Plus: an option for those interested in avocado oil

If you want cold-pressed avocado oil in an easy-to-prepare format, Avocado Plus from GENISÉ offers clear ingredient and oil quantity information alongside softgel convenience.

1. Selected by GENISÉ — cold-pressed, unrefined extra virgin Hass avocado oil
2. Pre-portioned and ready to take — 500 mg of Natural Avocado Oil per softgel, with no measuring or tasting the oil directly.
3. Easy to carry — 10 softgels per blister strip. Open only the one you need; the others remain in their own compartments.

References: GENISÉ: Avocado Plus · Ingredient information — Hass Extra Virgin cold-extracted avocado oil · GENISÉ — Avocado Plus blister packaging information

Choose using information, then fit it into your meals

Take 2 capsules with a meal as directed on the label. Read Avocado Plus ingredients and details before choosing the right pack for you

Understanding nutrients, reading quantities in matching units and choosing a suitable format are the starting points for buying with confidence.

View Avocado Plus packs and order

References: GENISÉ: Avocado Plus

Frequently asked questions

Are phytosterols absorbed better than cholesterol?

The body absorbs very little phytosterol. Its benefit here comes from interfering with cholesterol absorption in the intestine, not from the body absorbing phytosterols more readily.

Does 500 mg of avocado oil mean 500 mg of phytosterols?

500 mg is the amount of avocado oil per Avocado Plus softgel. The available product information does not specify a separate phytosterol quantity.

What are the highlights of Avocado Plus?

Uses cold-pressed Hass Extra Virgin avocado oil according to ingredient information, with 500 mg of oil per blister-packed softgel, so there is no need to measure or taste the oil directly.

References

1. Oregon State University — Phytosterols and cholesterol absorption
2. American Heart Association — LDL, HDL and triglycerides
3. Molecules — Avocado Oil: Characteristics, Properties, and Applications
4. GENISÉ — Avocado Plus ingredients and directions (product information)
5. Ingredient information — Hass Extra Virgin cold-extracted avocado oil
6. GENISÉ — Avocado Plus blister packaging information