How does Benecol® work?
Benecol® is a brand of clinically proven cholesterol lowering food products. These contain a unique natural ingredient, called Plant stanol ester. Supported by evidence from more than 80 studies, daily use of Benecol products effectively lowers* blood cholesterol in only two to three weeks.
Our bodies naturally make cholesterol and this represents around 70% of the cholesterol found in our blood. Certain foods we eat also contain cholesterol. The digestive tract is where some of this cholesterol gets recycled back into the bloodstream. Plant stanol ester works by safely blocking the uptake of cholesterol from our digestive tract. This means that far less cholesterol gets into the blood.
It doesn't matter whether the cholesterol is from your food, or made in your body, the effect is the same. And because Plant stanol ester is not absorbed by the body, it is safe to use, even in the long-term.
A Top 10 Nutrition Discovery
The plant stanols in Benecol® foods have been selected as one of the world's ten greatest discoveries in nutrition during the past 30 years**, based on the views of the world's leading nutrition researchers and solid research data.
The review emphasised the overwhelming research that the plant stanols in Benecol® foods are one of the few foods that can truly lower the level of a risk factor for coronary heart disease and have been clinically proven in over 80 clinical studies to significantly lower cholesterol levels.
Lowering cholesterol is not a destination. It is a journey. And not just any journey.
Every good choice we make is a little step on the road to a healthier and happier future.
Our story
One great cholesterol-lowering journey began in Finland in the early 1970s when an extensive Public health program called North Karelia Project was started. The goal was to bring about diet and lifestyle changes and improve the heart health of thousands of Finns.
The idea of creating cholesterol-lowering foods emerged, and with it, Benecol®. By then, it was already known that stanols, naturally found in plants, lower cholesterol. However, there were no suitable methods for including plant stanols in food yet. Food manufacturer Raisio in Finland took up the challenge of clearing this roadblock.
The solution was found in 1989, when researcher Ingmar Wester had a groundbreaking idea while playing with his daughter. His innovation was Plant stanol ester, which can be added to various kinds of foods without compromising taste and effectiveness.
In 1995, the very first Benecol® product containing Plant stanol ester was launched in Finland.
Since then, the cholesterol-lowering effect of Plant stanol ester has been proven in more than 80 clinical studies. Benecol products lower cholesterol by an average of 10 percent in two to three weeks and keep it low when used daily. Plant stanol ester has been given the right to make health claims by both the US Food and Drug Administration and the EU Commission. Plant stanol ester, only found in Benecol foods, is also recommended in several international cardiovascular guidelines.
Today, Benecol® is recognized as a global, trusted brand with a number of cholesterol-lowering foods enjoyed by millions of satisfied people in some 30 countries worldwide. They are people we like to think of as our friends and partners in heart health, since we know they are experts in fresh yogurts, delicious yogurt drinks, tasty spreads and many other healthy and effective Benecol food and food supplement products available globally.
You may have started your cholesterol-lowering adventure today, or already be well on your way. Sometimes it only takes a little push for things to change. Maybe you have already quit smoking, started exercising and watching your weight, or have added more greens to your plate. Good for you! Benecol® foods and food supplements are the additional, effective, simple boost to your daily efforts to lower your cholesterol and keep it low.
Take care of your future health and cherish the life you love! We will support you every step of the way.
*The EFSA Journal（2008）825, 1-13. Plant stanol ester and blood cholesterol.
The EFSA Journal（2009）1175, 1-9. Plant Stanols and Plant Sterols and Blood LDL-Cholesterol.
**Plant stanol ester has been shown to lower cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. A daily intake of 1.5-2.4g plant stanols lower cholesterol by 7-10% in 2 to 3 weeks. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 1.5 to 3g plant stanols.