GOT QUESTIONS?

Here you’ll find some of the most common questions we hear about Corazonas – and their corresponding answers. If this doesn’t cover it, contact us.

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.” We consume plant sterols every day naturally when we eat fruit, vegetables, whole-grain products and most vegetable oils, but usually at levels too low to effect LDL cholesterol. However, scientific studies have shown that plant sterols can be added to 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 have a similar structure to LDL cholesterol and therefore cannot be distinguished by the body. They work by inhibiting the absorption of LDL cholesterol in the small intestine by up to 50%, which in turn can lower LDL blood cholesterol by 5-14%. 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 phytosterols 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 granted GRAS status (Generally Recognized As Safe) for a variety of foods containing natural phytosterols, including the salty snack category in which Corazonas is included.

Q: Can’t I consume enough plant sterols by only eating fruits, vegetables, and legumes?

A:
The average person consumes between 0.15g - 0.25g of plant sterols per day in their normal diet and vegetarians consume between 0.3g and 0.4g per day. To begin seeing cholesterol lowering benefits, the FDA states that you need at least 0.8g per day to before seeing beneficial results. Just by adding plant sterol enriched foods such as Corazonas snacks, the average consumer can easily reach the minimum threshold of 0.8g per day.

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 natural 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 and The American Dietetic Association for individuals who have high cholesterol. Additionally, there is substantial science behind the ability of oats (which are in Corazonas Oatmeal Squares) to reduce cholesterol. For more information, please see the Our Science 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), The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, 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: Does the frying process of the chips cause the sterols to break down?

A:
Actually, just the opposite! Since plant sterols become 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 of Boston Massachusetts.

Q: How do Corazonas Potato Chips contain 40% less fat than regular potato chips?

A:
Our potato chips use a natural process to remove excess fat, enabling us to get the same great tasting kettle style chips without the full fat of regular chips. Corazonas Potato Chips contain 6g of fat versus Regular Potato Chips contain 10g of fat.

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. One ounce of our Tortilla Chips delivers 38% of the recommended daily intake of whole grains and studies show that eating 48 grams 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 lacto-vegetarian and kosher. Our new whole grain tortilla chips, as well as our potato chips are also gluten free. Due to the oats in our Oatmeal Squares, we cannot guarantee these as gluten free.

Q: What does the *FDA Health Claim say on our labels?

A:
*FDA Health Claim: Foods containing at least 0.4g per serving of plant sterols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 0.8g, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of Corazonas supplies between 0.4g and 0.8g of plant sterols.  See nutrition facts panel for fat content.