Plant sterols are natural components found in fruits and vegetables, vegetable oils, nuts and cereals. They are known to help lower cholesterol in the blood.
Canadians can now buy a product with plant sterols since Becel launched a pro.activ margarine that contains these nutrients.
Christopher Luxon is president and CEO of Unilever Canada, makers of Becel. He comments: "Plant sterols have been recognized for their cholesterol-lowering properties for decades and are available in Becel pro.activ foods in 30 countries worldwide. Now, Canadians can take advantage of this simple way to help lower their cholesterol by adding Becel pro.activ to a heart healthy diet and lifestyle."
Bad cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In Canada, statistics show that someone dies every seven minutes from heart disease.
It is estimated that over 40% of Canadians aged 20-79 have an unhealthy level of cholesterol.
A news release issued by Unilver states: "Plant sterols in new Becel pro.activ calorie-reduced margarine help to lower cholesterol up to 15 per cent starting within three weeks when combined with the move to a healthy diet."
For more information, consult the company website.