Beta-sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol (pronounced: bay-ta si-toe-ster-ol) is a type of phytosterol commonly found in plants. It is structurally similar to cholesterol and is believed to have several potential health benefits.
Etymology
The term "Beta-sitosterol" is derived from the Greek words "beta", which is the second letter of the Greek alphabet, and "sitosterol", which is a type of sterol. The prefix "beta" is used because Beta-sitosterol is the second of three major types of plant sterols, the others being alpha-sitosterol and gamma-sitosterol.
Health Benefits
Beta-sitosterol is believed to have several potential health benefits. It has been studied for its potential to reduce cholesterol levels, improve urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate, and boost the immune system. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Related Terms
- Phytosterol: A group of steroid compounds similar to cholesterol which occur in plants and vary only in carbon side chains and/or presence or absence of a double bond.
- Cholesterol: A type of fat found in your blood. Your liver makes cholesterol for your body. You also can get cholesterol from the foods you eat.
- Sterol: Any of a group of naturally occurring unsaturated steroid alcohols, typically waxy solids.
- Alpha-sitosterol: One of several phytosterols (plant sterols) with chemical structures similar to that of cholesterol.
- Gamma-sitosterol: One of several phytosterols (plant sterols) with chemical structures similar to that of cholesterol.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Beta-sitosterol
- Wikipedia's article - Beta-sitosterol
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