Q: What are plant sterols?
A:Plant sterols, also known as phytosterols, are plant-based compounds that can help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a.k.a. "bad cholesterol." Plant sterols occur naturally in fruit, vegetables, whole-grain products and most vegetable oils, but usually at levels too low to effectively combat LDL cholesterol. However, recent scientific studies have shown that plant sterols can be added to other foods at levels that can result in lower blood cholesterol and reduced risk for coronary heart disease.
Q: How do plant sterols work?
A:Plant sterols are naturally occurring components of plant cell membranes and structurally resemble cholesterol. They work by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine by up to 50%, which in turn can lower LDL blood cholesterol by up to 15%. Unlike cholesterol, plant sterols are not absorbed in the bloodstream, allowing them to bind to “bad” cholesterol and excrete it from the body.
Q: Are plant sterols safe?
A:Plant sterols are safe, natural and highly effective as part of a heart-healthy diet. Extensive human clinical research indicating that plant sterols and sterol esters substantially and consistently lower blood levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol has led to the inclusion of these compounds in foods and supplements. Since the late 1990s when phytosterol esters achieved GRAS status (Generally Recognized As Safe), they have been added to food products such as margarine-type spreads, as part of a cholesterol-lowering strategy that includes a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Recently, the FDA has expanded GRAS status for a variety of foods containing non-esterified phytosterols, including the salty snack category that Corazonas is included in.
Q: What clinical studies have been conducted to validate your cholesterol-lowering claim?
A:Corazonas’ cholesterol-lowering efficacy in humans was established by a Brandeis University clinical trial. The results of this study were published in the Journal of Nutrition in March 2004 and showed a 15% LDL (“bad”) cholesterol reduction of phytosterol-enriched chips without affecting HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
The science supporting the ability of plant sterols to reduce cholesterol is overwhelming and has been endorsed by the American Heart Association for individuals who have high cholesterol. Additionally, there is substantial science behind the ability of oats to reduce cholesterol. However, the plant sterols in Corazonas are the primary cholesterol-lowering ingredient in our tortilla chips. Further studies from the University of Toronto show that cholesterol-lowering foods are most effective when combined, supporting Corazonas’ use of plant sterols with whole oats and fiber. For more information, please see the Heart Health section of our website for a summary of the research that has been conducted on the cholesterol-lowering properties of plant sterols, oats, and oat fiber.
Q: Where does the fiber in Corazonas come from?
A:The fiber in Corazonas comes from whole oats and oat fiber. A one ounce serving of Corazonas provides 3 grams of dietary fiber. This is equal to the amount of fiber in one serving of Metamucil!
Q: What kind of oats are in Corazonas?
A:Corazonas uses 100% natural whole oats, also know as oat groats, which are different from rolled oats or oatmeal.
Q: Are Corazonas baked or fried?
A:Corazonas chips are fried in expeller-pressed high oleic safflower, sunflower or canola oil. Expeller pressed oils are mechanically extracted without the use of harsh chemicals. High oleic oils are higher in monounsaturated fat and lower in saturated fat, so they are healthier for your heart.
Q: Does the frying process cause the sterols to break down?
A:Actually, just the opposite! Since plant sterols are fully soluble at high temperatures, it makes dispersing them in heated oil the perfect conduit. It also increases the bio-availability of the plant sterols, as proven in clinical studies performed by Brandeis University.
Q: Are there other products on the market that use plant sterols?
A:Yes, there are other plant sterol-enriched products currently available such as Minute Maid® Premium Heart Wise™ orange juice, Nature Valley® Healthy Heart granola bars, Yoplait Healthy Heart™ yogurt and Benecol® Spread.
Q: What organizations have endorsed plant sterols?
A:Plant sterols are endorsed by The American Heart Association (recommended for those with elevated cholesterol) and The American Diabetic Association. Plant sterols are safe for patients using cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins and for diabetics. Please consult your doctor to create an optimal heart health diet and lifestyle program that is best for you.