Foods fortified with plant sterols can lower cholesterol by ten to fifteeen percent, according to Dr. Rebecca Reeves, a registered dietician in Houston. According to Dr. Reeves, many food staples such as milk, orange juice are now fortified with plant sterols, which are extracted from soy bean oil.

Dr. Reeves says people need between 800 and 2,000 milligrams of plant sterols daily. This can help to ensure healthy cholesterol levels and a healthy heart.

Many people are unaware that certain food products contain beneficial plant sterols. It is important for consumers, especially those with elevated levels of cholesterol to be aware that certain food products can help them to improve their health.