Some margarines, such as SmartBalance, have plant sterols and stanols esters added to them. It is believed sterols/stanols can reduce LDL (the “bad cholesterol”). Plant sterols/stanols work by interfering with the absorption of cholesterol in the body. Some research suggests three servings a day of plant sterols/stanols can have a beneficial effect. Individuals with high cholesterol should consume 2 grams of stanols/sterols per day.
To help prevent cardiovascular disease, it is important to keep your cholesterol in check. It is recommended your total cholesterol be less than 200 mg/dL, your triglycerides are in a range of 30-150 mg/dL, your HDL between 40 and 60 mg/dL, and LDL be less than 100 mg/dL. A lipid profile is usually done as part of a routine physical and involves fasting and a blood draw.
In addition to margarines, plant sterols/stanols have been added to some cooking oils, salad dressings, peanut butter, and milk. You may find that a margarine rich in plant sterols/stanols is the perfect complement to a slice of whole grain toast. Although foods fortified with sterols/stanols are beneficial, natural cholesterol lowering foods such as walnuts, salmon, and oatmeal are also important.
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