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The Importance of Campesterol

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Those who are unfamiliar with the substance called campesterol may want to know more about what this naturally occurring nutritional element is and why it is getting so much attention in today's medical world. Campesterol is one of several plant sterols that biologists find in a range of edible plants. Some of these plant sterols have medical uses even in today's modern medicine.

Campesterol and Medicine

One essential role of plant sterols in a regular diet is in the way these sterols balance the cholesterol in the body. It's important to note that individuals can often get recommended levels of campesterol and other plant sterols in "core foods" like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Nutritionists and medical experts often explain to clients that there are two kinds of cholesterol that the body uses differently. One is high density lipoprotein or HDL, which is known as the "good" cholesterol. The second kind is low density lipoprotein or LDL, which is known as "bad" cholesterol, and should be limited to avoid some kinds of heart disease.

Scientists have found that campesterol and other plant sterols often decrease LDL cholesterol levels overall. That leads some scientists to view campesterol as a valuable element in controlling cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart disease. However, it's important to note that the effects of various levels of campesterol can be different for different individuals. In fact, some studies have shown that a high amount of campesterol could actually be responsible for increasing the risk of some cardiovascular conditions. Government websites show that teams of scientists are looking further into potential uses and risks for campesterol, and how it may affect the common cardiovascular system. WebMD and other public resources show various clinical trials for campesterol and other phytosterols or plant sterols, where researchers want to determine the "normal" cardiovascular effect or provide risk information that the public can use.

Campesterol is also sometimes used to treat some specific prostate conditions.

Campesterol Supplements

Meanwhile, there are various campesterol supplements on the market. Many of these are made from the saw palmetto plant, a type of vegetation that contains a condensed amount of this plant sterol. Government groups such as the AOAC Presidential Task Force on Dietary Supplements are continuing to look at how these supplements could affect all kinds of health conditions for individuals.

The specific balance needed in order to treat individuals with campesterol or added dietary supplement makes research on plant sterols an important part of what the medical research community is doing as a service to medical providers and to the public. More detailed research on phytosterols will help to determine how they are prescribed for a variety of health conditions. If you feel you have a condition that could be treated by campesterol supplements, talk to your family doctor about how these naturally occurring substances could improve existing health issues. Patients who know about the risks and benefits associated with campesterol can evaluate its use objectively in consultation with medical professionals.

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