In China, maize is a significant crop, and the corn oil we use every day is a product manufactured from corn germ (along with some corn husk and endosperm). Corn oil supposedly has a high nutritional value. Have you a clear knowledge of what's in it? Let's discuss today's valuable corn oil component, plant sterols.
Why is phytosterol such a valuable component? It is ideal for those with hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia, as well as the elderly who have impaired lipid metabolic abilities, because it is the nemesis of cholesterol.
Phytosterols can decrease cholesterol in three different ways.
1. They prevent cholesterol from being absorbed. Due to the structural similarity between cholesterol and phytosterols, a competitive relationship will develop during the metabolic process. But because phytosterols are more hydrophobic, they always have the upper hand in competition, taking up residence in the metabolic system first and displacing cholesterol. For instance, in order for cholesterol to be absorbed, it needs to be transported by a micelle and then transported by transport proteins on the small intestine wall into the intestinal villous epithelial cells. The body can only discharge cholesterol as is since it cannot be absorbed without the aid of carriers; in contrast, phytosterols are more likely to cling to micromicelles.
2. Reduce the synthesis of cholesterol, which can be synthesized in the liver. Plant sterols can inhibit the activity of rate-limiting enzymes during the endogenous cholesterol synthesis process, thereby reducing their synthesis amount.
3. Accelerate cholesterol excretion. When the cholesterol content is too high, phytosterols can promote the conversion of excess cholesterol into bile acids in the body, thereby reducing the level of cholesterol in the body.
It is also worth mentioning that although plant sterols compete with cholesterol for absorption, they do not participate in the next step of metabolism. Their absorption rate in the human gastrointestinal tract is very low, less than 5% (the cholesterol absorption rate is as high as 40%). The absorbed sterols are converted into bile acids and excreted, while the remaining unabsorbed plant sterols are also excreted in the feces.
The largest contribution of plant sterols to the daily diet is from vegetable oil (accounting for about 46%), followed by grains (about 39%). Corn oil contains a large amount of plant sterols, so when choosing edible oil, choose corn oil. Here, we recommend Golden Dragon Fish Zero Trans Fat Corn Oil, which selects non-genetically modified corn germ and adopts unique physical pressing technology and green precision processing technology. The oil has good or high quality, no trans fatty acids, and retains the original nutritional components such as vitamin E and phytosterols to a greater extent. Whether it is stir-fried, stewed, or fried food, it is very suitable.
Plant sterols, a treasure trove of ingredients, are naturally glowing and warming for our cardiovascular health. However, it is important to make good use of them. When choosing edible oils, pay more attention to corn oil, and you can also reap health benefits while enjoying delicious food.
