All DietsWhat You Should Know
Finland-based Benecol food products is said to decrease cholesterol levels in the body. Distributed to more than 30 countries including France and the United States, the Benecol product line includes spreads, yogurts, smoothies, soy beverages, milk, and cereals. Benecol distributors maintain that their products reduce cholesterol absorption in the body by up to 30 percent by blocking cholesterol in the stomach before it enters the bloodstream. According to the manufacturer, studies consistently demonstrate that Benecol lowers cholesterol levels.
List of Ingredients
Plant stanol ester is the active ingredient in Benecol products.
Product Features
The cholesterol blocker plant stanol ester is the major ingredient in Benecol products and is added to food bases such as margarine or yogurt. Benecol is not meant to replace cholesterol-lowering medications and should be considered supplementary to a good diet.
The official Benecol website is a network of recipes, menus, product listings, and supplemental product information for enthusiasts. There is also a mailing list users can join to receive the latest news and coupons on Benecol products. Because cholesterol lowering drugs or statins, operate differently than plant stanol ester, Benecol products can be consumed alongside them. However, it is still a good idea to let your doctor know that you’re using Benecol. Consumers should note that there is no stated dietary benefit to consuming more than 5 grams of plant stanol ester daily.
Advantages
- Eating foods that contain Benecol may lower your cholesterol levels.
- Benecol spread tastes very similar to margarine and can be used as a substitution for cooking.
Disadvantages
- If you consume too much Benecol, you may have abdominal discomfort and/or diarrhea.
- This product may not actually help you lose weight.
- Some Benecol products may contain dairy by-products so you will need to read the labels if you are lactose intolerant.
Conclusion
Benecol is a great and healthy alternative to butter and margarine and it may lower your cholesterol levels up to 30% over time. If you have a history of high cholesterol, adding Benecol products to your diet can definitely improve your health. As far as weight loss is concerned, however, Benecol won’t help you shed unwanted pounds.
We find Benecol to be delicious and it appears to have helped lower Cholesterol when used as suggested – 2 -3 Tablespoons per day. The only problem is that not all stores carry it and it is VERY expensive.
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We had been using Promise Activ but it was discontinued so we ran out and bought your Benecol spread but now learned it has Partially Hydrogenated Soybeab Oil in it. I thought this substance was banned fron use in foods. We really feel uncomfortable using this product now. I bought three containers of it. What should we do? Thanks Martin Davis
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Can Benecol be used as a replacement for butter or shortening in recipes?
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Can Benecol be used in recipes as the fat instead of shortening or butter?
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