Sterol

Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, are a group of natural compounds that are structurally similar to cholesterol, which is the main sterol found in animal tissues. Phytosteroids are essential components of plant cell membranes and are also precursors for the synthesis of various hormones and other important phytosteroids like ecdysteroids, cardiac glycoside, glycoalkaloids, … They are particularly abundant in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds, including in algae like Nannochloropsis sp. or Fucus sp. Phytosterols have been studied for their potential health benefits, particularly for their ability to lower cholesterol levels in the body. When consumed in sufficient quantities, phytosterols can compete with cholesterol for absorption in the gut, thus reducing the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed into the bloodstream. This mechanism can help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.