Plant sterols are natural compounds that sit inside plant cell walls. Their structure mimics cholesterol closely. This similarity lets them partially block the intestine from taking up dietary cholesterol during digestion.
Take 1.5 to 2.5 grams of a plant sterol supplement (like CardioAid-S Plant Sterol Esters) each day. Split the dose across your meals. Food in the gut helps the sterols work.
Side effects are usually limited to mild stomach upset. Over long periods, these sterols can cut how much of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K your body absorbs. People born with sitosterolemia must skip plant sterols entirely.