Food from new resources

Food from new resources - plant sterols and sterol esters

Among the cases of coronary heart disease worldwide, 56% are directly or indirectly caused by high cholesterol. According to the recommendation of research societies and organizations, adding plant sterols (ester) into one''s diet could help lower cholesterol. The chemical structure of phytosterols is similar to that of the cholesterol.
• Plant sterols can replace cholesterol in human intestinal fat micelle during the digestive process of human body
• Plant sterols can reduce intestinal absorption of cholesterol and increase cholesterol excretion, thus protecting heart health and reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.

According to regulations concerning food safety in European countries, plant sterols and sterol esters proved to be safe and having the effect of lowering cholesterol has been certified as food from new resources.
In the U.S., plant sterols and sterol esters have obtained FDA GRAS Certification (GRN039, 048, 053, 061, 112, 176, 177, 181)

The health claim approved by FDA in America (2000)
Food containing at least 0.65 grams of plant sterol esters (0.4 grams of plant sterols)per serving shall be taken in twice daily, or a daily intake of at least 1.3 grams of plant sterol esters (0.8 grams of plant sterols) shall be ensured as part of a diet featuring low saturated fat and cholesterol, so as to reduce the risk of heart disease."