Known as a treatment for high cholesterol, Beta Sitosterol is a natural plant sterol found in almost all plants. Used to block the absorption of bad cholesterol into the body and a way to improve HDL cholesterol, people are finding that beta sitosterol is a helpful way, along with regular medication, to keep their cholesterol under control. It is also used as a way to treat an enlarged prostate by helping the urine pass more freely and to possibly even help to shrink the enlarged prostrate. As you can see, this is an excellent way for both men and women to keep up on their overall health.

Found in a few foods such as margarine and avocados, beta sitosterol is also found in supplement form to be taken to help not only with the prostate and cholesterol but for various other reasons as well. This includes the treatment of gallstones, relieving symptoms associated with menopause and although not proven, it is also known to be a way to enhance sexual performance.

Beta sitosterol is similar to cholesterol in regards to the chemical structure which is why it is thought to work so well, but it something we just do not get enough of, even if we do eat it every day. That is why many people choose to supplement their daily intake with beta sitosterol supplements, especially if they have been diagnosed with high cholesterol since that is where the most research has been done to prove its effectiveness. Beta sitosterol is safe for most people to use on a regular basis, but it can cause some unhappy side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gas and nausea.