**7. Plant stanols and sterols**

Plant stanols and sterols are a group of substances made in the plant. The most important and ample of plant sterol is sitosterol. However, campesterol and stigmasterol are also significant quantitative of sterol. They reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and help to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood without affecting high-density lipoprotein (HLD) cholesterol levels.

#### **7.1 Sources**

Sterols and stanols are found in the highest amount in foods, such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, cereals, and vegetable oils.

#### **7.2 Function**

Plant sterols work as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant [67], and antiatherosclerosis. Phytosterols have antifungal activity and protect against ulcers [68]. The intake of plant sterols can prevent different types of cancer, such as the esophagus, prostate [69], lung [70], breast [71], ovary [72], stomach, and endometrial [73]. LDLcholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Plant sterols or stanols prevent absorption of LDL cholesterol from the gut, as a result, serum levels of LDL are lower, and assumed that lowering LDL-cholesterol is expected to lower cardiovascular diseases.
