[PHNUTR-L] Pistachios and sesame seeds richest source of phytosterols

[Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD]

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Pistachios and sesame seeds richest source of phytosterols

By Stephen Daniells
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.
-- 
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar at nutritionucanlivewith.com >
"Ask the Parkinson Dietitian"  http://www.parkinson.org/
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease"
"Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy"
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