Key to cholesterol control

Consuming plant sterols, present in nuts legumes and exercising may help you control your cholesterol.

You can enjoy the festive season without bothering about your cholesterol, as researchers at McGill University have identified a new way to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Their program, which combines consuming plant-derived sterols (or oils) with exercise, may benefit those who are at risk of coronary heart disease.

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"Both consuming plant sterols, present in nuts legumes, vegetable oils, and exercising have been shown to affect blood cholesterol levels on their own," McGill Professor of dietetics and nutrition, Peter Jones, was quoted as saying.

"Our research is the first to look at the complementary combined effects of these therapies," he added.

"In comparison with plant sterols or exercise alone, the combination of plant sterols and exercise yielded the most beneficial change in the volunteer's cholesterol and lipid levels," said lead author and McGill doctoral student, Krista Varady.

"These findings suggest that combination therapy may improve the cholesterol and lipid levels in previously sedentary adults who have high cholesterol. Furthermore this therapy may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease for these individuals," she added.