This book will assist you in planning your daily meals to maximize your consumption of phytosterols. Phytosterols are natural plant-based substances that are in many foods. Adding foods containing phytosterols to your daily diet, in addition to the plan prescribed by your doctor, can help you to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol by blocking the LDL cholesterol before it can be absorbed into your bloodstream. LDL cholesterol contributes to heart disease and blood vessel disorders. Another benefit of phytosterols is that they help protect levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, even increasing it over time. Continuing to add foods containing phytosterols to your diet every day will build up protection while reducing harmful cholesterol levels.