What is the Difference Between Plant Stanols and Sterols?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Plant stanols and sterols, also known as phytosterols, are cholesterol-like compounds found naturally in plant-based foods, such as grain products, seeds, nuts, legumes, and fruits and vegetables. They have a similar chemical structure to cholesterol and are recommended as dietary modifiers of serum lipids. The main difference between plant stanols and sterols is their chemical structure: plant sterols contain a double bond in the sterol ring, while plant stanols do not.
Both plant stanols and sterols work by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the gut, which can help lower bad cholesterol (non-HDL cholesterol) levels and potentially prevent cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. They are found naturally in very small quantities in plant-based foods, and consuming an average of 2 grams per day of phytosterols can help lower cholesterol levels. Foods fortified with plant stanols and sterols, such as margarines, cheeses, orange juice, milk, and bread, can help round up your daily intake.
In summary, the main difference between plant stanols and sterols is their chemical structure, with plant sterols containing a double bond in the sterol ring and plant stanols lacking this double bond. Both compounds are found in plant-based foods and work to reduce cholesterol absorption in the gut, helping to lower cholesterol levels and potentially prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Comparative Table: Plant Stanols vs Sterols
Plant stanols and sterols, also known as phytosterols, are cholesterol-like compounds found naturally in a range of plant-based foods, including grain products, seeds, nuts, legumes, and fruits and vegetables. They play a role in reducing non-HDL cholesterol, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Here is a table comparing the differences between plant stanols and sterols:
| Feature | Plant Stanols | Plant Sterols |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Saturated sterols, produced by hydrogenating sterols | Unsaturated sterols, found in nature |
| Chemical Structure | Contain no double bonds in the sterol ring | Contain double bonds in the sterol ring |
| Food Sources | Rice bran, wheat germ, oat bran, bran, whole wheat, brown rice, legumes, dried peas, dried beans, lentils, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds | Sesame oil, wheat germ oil, mayonnaise, pistachio nuts, olive oil, sage, oregano, thyme, paprika, cocoa butter oil, and almond butter |
| Absorption | Less absorbable due to hydrogenation | More absorbable than stanols |
| Health Benefits | Lower non-HDL cholesterol levels | Lower non-HDL cholesterol levels |
Plant stanols and sterols are found in different food sources and have slightly different chemical structures. However, both compounds can help lower non-HDL cholesterol levels and contribute to heart health.
- Sterol vs Steroid
- Ergosterol vs Cholesterol
- Isoprenoid vs Steroid
- Cis vs Trans Stilbene
- Cholesterol vs Cholesteryl Ester
- Estriol vs Estradiol
- Stamen vs Pistil
- Tocopherols vs Tocotrienols
- Steroid vs Corticosteroid
- Cetyl Alcohol vs Stearyl Alcohol
- Sodium Stearate vs Sodium Oleate
- Stearic Acid vs Oleic Acid
- Stroma vs Stoma
- Fat Soluble vs Water Soluble Statins
- Stannic vs Stannous Chloride
- Staminate vs Pistillate
- Phytoestrogens vs Xenoestrogens
- Thylakoid vs Stroma
- Ester vs Thioester