Pistachios and sesame seeds richest source of phytosterols

[Guest guest]

Colleagues, the following is FYI and does not necessarily reflect my own

opinion. I have no further knowledge of the topic. If you do not wish to

receive these posts, set your email filter to filter out any messages

coming from @nutritionucanlivewith.com and the program will remove

anything coming from me.

---------------------------------------------------------

Pistachios and sesame seeds richest source of phytosterols

By ls

http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=64504 & m=2nied15 & c=xeiqgoegavfxtla

12/12/2005 - Pistachios and sesame seeds contain more

cholesterol-reducing compounds than most other nuts and seeds, according

to an extensive study.

“Given the many possible mechanisms of action of phytosterols on

cholesterol metabolism, it is important to have quantitative estimates

of total phytosterol content,” reported the team of researchers from

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Previous studies have shown that nuts and seeds are a rich source of

phytosterols, plant sterols with a chemical structure very similar to

cholesterol. When present in sufficient amounts, these compounds are

believed to reduce blood cholesterol, enhance the immune system and

decrease the risk of certain cancers.

The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

(Vol 53, pp. 9436-9445), is the most comprehensive analysis of nut and

seed varieties to date. Twenty-seven different products, including

American peanut butter, were evaluated and it was found that sesame

seeds and wheat germ contained the highest concentration of phytosterols

with over 400 mg per 100 g.

The list of products most commonly associated as snack foods was led by

pistachio nuts with 279 mg of phytosterols per 100 g, closely followed

by sunflower seed kernels (270 mg per 100 g). The lowest phytosterol

content was found in Brazil nuts and English walnuts (95 and 113 mg per

100 g).

Smooth peanut butter contained, on average, a higher concentration of

phytosterols than the chunky variety, 135 versus 132 mg per 100 g.

Beta-sitosterol was the main phytosterol identified for all nut and seed

samples.

Conducted as part of the USDA's National Food and Nutrient Analysis

Program, the authors say the study is important for anyone involved in

the formulation of research diets, and development of dietary

recommendations related to the health impact of phytosterols.

Epidemiologists and clinical nutritionists can also draw on the new

research to achieve greater accuracy and reduce errors during the

multivariate correction of food surveys.

While the research was long overdue, it is uncertain how this will

affect the current sterol market. Global demand for phytosterols is

estimated to exceed 10,000 tons by 2008, giving a potential market value

of $200 to $250 million. Most plant sterols are currently extracted from

soybean, corn, and tall (pine tree) oil.

--

ne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar@... >

" Ask the Parkinson Dietitian " http://www.parkinson.org/

" Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease "

" Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy "

http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/