Q: What are plant sterols?
A: Plant sterols, also known as phytosterols, are plant-based compounds that can help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a.k.a. “bad cholesterol.” Plant sterols occur naturally in fruit, vegetables, whole-grain products and most vegetable oils, but usually at levels too low to effectively combat LDL cholesterol. However, recent scientific studies have shown that plant sterols can be added to other foods at levels that can result in lower blood cholesterol and reduced risk for coronary heart disease.
Q: How do plant sterols work?
A: Plant sterols are virtually identical in structure to cholesterol and therefore cannot be distinguished by the body. They work by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine by up to 50%, which in turn can lower LDL blood cholesterol by up to 15%. Cholesterol is absorbed in the small intestine at specific sites called micelles. When consumed, plant sterols compete with cholesterol to attach to these sites, effectively blocking the cholesterol and forcing it to exit the body unabsorbed.
Q: Are plant sterols safe?
A: Plant sterols are safe, natural and highly effective as part of a heart healthy diet. Extensive human clinical research indicating that plant sterols and sterol esters substantially and consistently lower blood levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol has led to the inclusion of these compounds in foods and supplements. Since the late 1990s when phytosterol esters achieved GRAS status (Generally Recognized As Safe), they have been added to food products such as margarine-type spreads, as part of a cholesterol lowering strategy that includes a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Recently, the FDA has expanded GRAS status for a variety of foods containing non-esterified phytosterols, including the salty snack category that Corazonas is included in.
Q: What clinical studies have been conducted to validate your cholesterol-lowering claim?
A: Corazonas’ cholesterol-lowering efficacy in humans was established by a Brandeis University clinical trial. The results of this study were published in the Journal of Nutrition in June 2004 and showed a 15% LDL (“bad”) cholesterol reduction of phytosterol-enriched chips without affecting HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
The science supporting the ability of plant sterols to reduce cholesterol is overwhelming and has been endorsed by the American Heart Association for individuals who have high cholesterol. Additionally, there is substantial science behind the ability of oats (which are in some flavors of Corazonas Tortilla Chips) to reduce cholesterol. Further studies from the University of Toronto show that cholesterol-lowering foods are most effective when combined, supporting Corazonas’ use of plant sterols with whole oats and fiber. For more information, please see the Heart Health section of our website for a summary of the research that has been conducted on the cholesterol-lowering properties of plant sterols, oats, and oat fiber.
Q: Are there other products on the market that use plant sterols?
A: Yes, there are other plant sterol-enriched products currently available such as Minute Maid® Premium Heart Wise™ orange juice, Promise® Activ Supershots, Nature Valley® Healthy Heart granola bars, Benecol® Spread, Kroger® Active Lifesyle fat free milk, Lifetime® low-fat cheese, and Smart Balance® spread. Centrum Cardio® contains plant sterols and Jamba Juice also offers a Heart Happy™ Super Boost for their smoothies that includes plant sterols.
Q: What organizations have endorsed plant sterols?
A: Plant sterols are endorsed by The American Heart Association (recommended for those with elevated cholesterol) and The American Diabetic Association. Plant sterols are generally considered safe for patients using cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins and for diabetics. Please consult your doctor to create an optimal heart health diet and lifestyle program that is best for you.
Q: Are Corazonas baked or fried?
A: Corazonas chips are fried in expeller-pressed high oleic safflower, sunflower or canola oil. Expeller pressed oils are mechanically extracted without the use of harsh chemicals. High oleic oils are higher in monounsaturated fat and lower in saturated fat, so they are healthier for your heart.
Q: Does the frying process cause the sterols to break down?
A: Actually, just the opposite! Since plant sterols are fully soluble at high temperatures, it makes dispersing them in heated oil the perfect conduit. It also increases the bio-availability of the plant sterols, as proven in clinical studies performed by Brandeis University.
Q: How do Corazonas potato chips contain 40% less fat than regular potato chips?
A: Our potato chips are fried using a proprietary technology that allows the potatoes to absorb less oil than regular chips.
Q: Where does the fiber in Corazonas whole oat tortilla chips come from?
A: The fiber in our whole oat tortilla chips comes from 100% natural whole oats and oat fiber. A one ounce serving of Corazonas provides 3 grams of dietary fiber. This is equal to the amount of fiber in one serving of Metamucil®!
Q: Where does the whole grain in Corazonas whole grain tortilla chips come from?
A: We use whole grain corn flour which includes every part of the corn and provides 18 grams of whole grain per serving. This is 38% of the recommended daily intake and studies show that eating 48 grams of whole grains daily may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Q: Are Corazonas chips vegetarian, kosher and gluten free?
A: All flavors of our tortilla and potato chips are vegetarian and kosher (with the exception of Italiano 4 Cheese). Our new whole grain tortilla chips, as well as our potato chips are also gluten free (which the exception of Pacific Rim Barbecue). Due to the oats in our whole oat tortilla chips, we cannot guarantee these as gluten free. Please also note that our potato chips are manufactured on equipment that also processes wheat containing products.
