"...açaí also contains a healthy dose of plant sterols, another class of phytochemicals that have been shown to reduce cholesterol, protect the immune system, and relieve prostate enlargement."

- Health Sciences Institute

PHYTOSTEROLS

Phytosterols are plant sterols that are poorly absorbed by humans and reduce intestinal absorption of cholesterol.  They are found in vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils and cereals.  Studies have demonstrated as much as a 10% decrease in LDL cholesterol in subjects who consumed 1.3g of phytosterols a day.  It is believed that phytosterols function to:

§      Interfere with the body's absorption of dietary cholesterol during digestion

§      Promote the release of cholesterol, thus helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels

These and other studies have further demonstrated that the beneficial effects of phytosterols can help:

§      Prevent heart disease

§      Ease enlarged prostates

§      Calm inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

§      Control blood sugar in diabetes