Background on Beta Sitosterol
Beta sitosterol is a plant sterol, often made from soybeans, corn, peanuts, or wheat. It is quite widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and is found abundantly in saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, and pygeum africanum.
Chemically, beta sitosterol is a very close relative of cholesterol. Did you know that beta sitosterol is commonly added to margarines as a cholesterol reducing aid? As it turns out, fats are necessary to solubilize plant sterols, so margarines are an ideal vehicle.
Studies Show Promise For Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Over the past few years, concentrated extracts of this particular phytosterol have been tested for lowering cholesterol and lessening such discomforts of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as frequent and painful urination.
In fact, Europeans have long taken beta-sitosterol and other plant remedies for prostate problems and growing numbers of American men are catching on to the benefits.
And in a key 1999 review of four well-designed clinical trials involving 519 men with mild to moderate (symptomatic) BPH, analysts reported that beta-sitosterol provided notable relief from urinary problems.
Participants enjoyed increased urine flow and few side effects. Interestingly, benefits matched those commonly seen with prescription BPH drugs!
Roger Mason's book The Natural Prostate Cure is considered by many to be essential reading when it comes to a healthy, alternative approach to prostate health. The most positive reviews seem to come from men who have tried Mason's advice on diet and supplements (including beta sitosterol).
Cholesterol Reduction, Etc.
Beta sitosterol actually inhibits intestinal absorption of cholesterol by competing for the limited space for cholesterol in mixed micelles. I know, that's a stupid word to use with lay people! A "micelle" is a submicroscopic structural unit of protoplasm, composed of a cluster of molecules. Aren't you glad I shared that one?!
Anyway, beta sitosterol seems to reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestine by about 50%. It may have additive effects with herbs and supplements that also lower cholesterol levels. Some of these supplements include chromium, flaxseed, garlic, gaur gum, niacin, oat bran, psyllium, and others!
There's also some preliminary evidence that beta sitosterol might also have anticancer and immune stimulant effects.
