Increasing Dietary Phytosterols May Reduce Risks of Heart Disease and Diabetes

Heart disease and type 2 diabetes remain among the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Adopting a diet rich in plant-based foods has long been associated with better health outcomes, and recent research emphasizes the potential benefits of a specific component found in many such foods: phytosterols. These natural compounds, structurally similar to cholesterol, are present in various plant foods including vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains.

A new study highlights that higher intake of phytosterols correlates with a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The research demonstrates that individuals consuming more phytosterols exhibit improved insulin regulation, decreased inflammation, and favorable changes in gut microbiome composition—factors that support metabolic health. This suggests that phytosterols may play a role in moderating key pathways involved in these diseases.

The findings, presented by Dr. Fenglei Wang at the Nutrition 2025 conference, underscore the importance of including a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains in daily diets. Unlike earlier research which often used high doses of phytosterols through supplements, this study shows that moderate, dietary levels of phytosterols can contribute to health benefits within regular eating patterns.

The research team analyzed data from over 200,000 U.S. adults, with long-term follow-up revealing that those in the top quintile of phytosterol intake had about a 9% lower risk of heart disease and an 8% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those in the lowest intake group. The study also identified specific phytosterols, such as β-sitosterol, that were linked to these positive outcomes.

Further analysis of metabolic biomarkers and blood samples indicated that phytosterols are associated with reduced insulin resistance and inflammation. Additionally, assessment of the gut microbiome suggested that certain microbial species may assist in degrading phytosterols and influencing metabolic health.

While causality cannot be definitively established from this observational study, the integration of epidemiological, biochemical, and microbiome data provides compelling evidence supporting dietary intake of phytosterols as part of a healthy lifestyle. Future research may focus on clarifying the mechanisms and exploring targeted dietary interventions.

Overall, increasing consumption of phytosterol-rich foods is a promising strategy to help lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes, reinforcing the importance of plant-based diets for metabolic health.