Certain herbs and nutrients have been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer, or may help reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Beta-sitosterol is one such nutrient; however, it’s important to understand the science behind this plant steroid before incorporating beta-sitosterol supplements into a prostate-friendly diet.
In this article, we’ll explore what beta-sitosterol is, its role in prostate health, and if it has any value as a standalone supplement.
What is Beta-Sitosterol?
Beta-sitosterol is a naturally occurring plant steroid found in fruits, vegetables, and legumes. It is also sometimes extracted from stigmas within a variety of different flowers, including daisies, gentians, and chrysanthemums.
The highest concentrations of beta-sitosterol are found in the hulls of corn, in the fruits of carob trees, and in the roots of the plant Somers. Sitosterol is a 10-carbon molecule that is chemically related to cholesterol. It is categorized as an “anticancer sterol,” which means it can help prevent the growth of certain cancers.
This may be due to its ability to activate the body’s immune system and decrease oxidative stress. It also may play a role in the prevention of various diseases, including heart disease, and diabetes. Beta sitosterol is also thought to have anti-aging effects by helping maintain healthy skin and hair.
There are several ways that beta sitosterol is used in the body:
As a fat-soluble vitamin: Beta sitosterol is thought to help maintain healthy skin and hair because it helps keep fats from becoming rancid and flaky by binding with them in the outer layer of skin or hair follicles. Therefore, it plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin and hair.
As a lipid: Beta sitosterol has also been shown to help maintain a healthy blood lipid profile (elevated levels of HDL cholesterol), which may prevent cardiovascular disease and heart attacks by lowering LDL cholesterol levels.
How Does Beta-Sitosterol Help Prostate Health?
As an “anticancer sterol,” beta-sitosterol is believed to inhibit the spread of prostate cancer. Beta-sitosterol reduces the proliferation of human prostate cancer cells. Also, it appears to reduce the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the bloodstream, which can be a sign of prostate cancer.
Beta-sitosterol inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which may reduce prostate cell growth. Beta-sitosterol may also reduce inflammation by inhibiting the NF-kappa B pathway in the prostate gland.
How to Incorporate More Beta-Sitosterol Into Your Diet
- Beta-Sitosterol Supplement: The good thing about getting supplements is that they have been formulated to meet the needs of people with accurate or near accurate prescriptions based on individual needs of users.
A recommended Beta-Sitosterol supplement is the Prosta E8.
- Oats: Oats are one of the best sources of beta-sitosterol, and a bowl of porridge every morning can go a long way in enriching your diet with Beta-Sitosterol.
- Soy: Soybeans are another great source of beta-sitosterol, and they can be eaten in many different ways.
- Flaxseed: Flaxseed is another great way to boost your intake of beta-sitosterol. You can eat the seeds raw or add them to a variety of dishes to increase your intake.
Can You Benefit from Taking a Beta-Sitosterol Supplement?
Yes!
A meta-analysis suggests that beta-sitosterol supplements help ease common prostate symptoms, such as frequent urination and low urinary flow.
Are There Any Side Effects of Taking a Beta-Sitosterol Supplement?
Adding beta-sitosterol supplement to your diet can help reduce your risk of prostate cancer, and doesn’t have harmful side effects if used in prescribed proportion. Beta-sitosterol supplements may have a mild blood-thinning effect, so people who take blood-thinning medication should discuss adding this supplement with their physician.
Beta-sitosterol may interact with other medications, including drugs that treat high cholesterol, benign prostate enlargement, and certain medications used to treat gastrointestinal disorders.
Final Words
Beta-sitosterol is a naturally occurring plant steroid that may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, and also appears to ease common urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. While beta-sitosterol supplement can be beneficial as part of a holistic prostate-friendly diet, it should not be considered a “magic bullet.”
Incorporating a beta-sitosterol supplement into a prostate-friendly lifestyle will help protect yourself from prostate cancer, and also ease common urinary symptoms.Nutristand is a USA-based supplier of one of the best beta-sitosterol supplements. You can get Prosta-E8 here.