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In the world around us, there are compounds that can give our body health and longevity. One of these beneficial substances is beta-sitosterol. It is about him that will be discussed in this article.
Beta-sitosterol rich foods:
General characteristics of beta-sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is one of the most abundant plant lipids, or phytosterols. It is a waxy white powder with a characteristic odor. Beta-sitosterol is insoluble in water, but it is perfectly soluble in alcohol and is an effective evacuator of cholesterol deposits.
Daily human need for beta-sitosterol
For diseases associated with a lack of beta-sitosterol, it must be consumed in an amount of 9 grams. per day, dividing this amount by the number of meals. After the effect is achieved, you can switch to a moderate intake of beta-sitosterol, amounting to 3 grams per day.
The need for beta-sitosterol increases with:
- cerebral atherosclerosis;
- diseases associated with the release of free cholesterol into the blood;
- climacteric disorders;
- hypertrophy of the prostate in men;
- carcinoma of the prostate;
- changes occurring in the mammary glands.
The need for beta-sitosterol is reduced:
- with increased aggressiveness;
- decreased libido;
- violation of potency;
- flatulence;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
The absorption of beta-sitosterol by the body
The main contraindication to the use of this substance is its individual intolerance. You should also be careful when eating foods rich in beta-sitosterol for a disease called sitosterolemia. For everyone else, the absorption of beta-sitosterol does not cause any problems.
Useful properties of beta-sitosterol and its effect on the body
Beta-sitosterol can rightfully be considered a panacea for all kinds of diseases. It prevents the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, perfectly removes it from the body.
Promotes the prevention of atherosclerosis, cleanses blood vessels. In addition, it increases the number of alpha-lipoproteins, improving overall well-being. It also helps to reduce the frequency of angina attacks.
Beta-sitosterol increases the amount of testosterone in the blood (this happens due to a violation of the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone).
At the same time, the same beta-sitosterol is able to activate the synthesis of such female sex hormones as estradiol and folliculin.
Beta-sitosterol-based drugs are used to prevent prostate hypertrophy and breast cancer. Beta-sitosterol stimulates metabolism and has anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
Signs of a beta-sitosterol deficiency:
With limited use of beta-sitosterol, or with its complete absence in the diet, negative processes such as prostate hypertrophy and breast cancer can begin in the body.
In addition, the following scenarios are possible:
- deposition of free cholesterol;
- blockage of blood vessels;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- exacerbation of atherosclerosis;
- deterioration in overall health;
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
Interaction of beta-sitosterol with essential elements:
Since beta-sitosterol is a plant lipid, it is an ideal solvent for free cholesterol. In addition, beta-sitosterol interacts well with female and male sex hormones such as testosterone, estradiol, folliculin.
Factors affecting the content of beta-sitosterol in the body
- regular consumption of foods rich in beta-sitosterol;
- absence of diseases associated with impaired absorption of beta-sitosterol;
- regular sports activities, as a result of which the processes of assimilation of this plant lipid are normalized.