Scientists first isolated sterols, plant fats - and their glucosides, sterolins, and other natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables, as far back as 1922. However, their remarkable health benefits were only realized and confirmed by extensive research in the last two decades.

Over 4000 published studies to date have examined phytosterols and 120 studies are double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials. These studies revealed that concentrations of sterols and sterolins offered extraordinary support to the immune system.

Sterols and sterolins are found abundantly in all plant materials and also in shellfish. Raw, unprocessed nuts and seeds and their oils are the richest source. Unfortunately, due to our standard methods of processing foods, the sterols and sterolins are destroyed. Freezing fruits and vegetables destroys the sterolins, and boiling vegetables causes the sterolins to be released into the cooking water.

Research suggests that it is the sterolins, not the sterols, which are the key to the anti-inflammatory, immune-balancing powers of phytosterols. And while a good diet can provide a person with a healthful portion of phytosterols, the sterolins are much harder to come by.

According to Lorna Vanderhaege, an expert in autoimmunity, sterols and sterolins are the preferred supplement of choice for autoimmune disorders. Here is what she has to say:

"Plant sterols and sterolins enhance the ability of T-cells to divide thereby increasing the number of T-cells in the immune system arsenal. They also promote the secretion of immune protective factors. These powerful plant fats do this without enhancing the action of inflammatory agents and the production of damaging antibodies.

By reducing the production of antibodies the immune system can get back into balance and stop destroying the body's own tissues. Inflammation is reduced and healing begins."

"Within thirty days those afflicted with autoimmune disorders see a significant decrease in their symptoms, especially a reduction in inflammation and pain. Most treatments until recently worked by suppressing the entire immune response leaving those afflicted open to infections and cancer.

Sterols and sterolins balance our immune system, providing protection against invaders while inhibiting the damaging effects of antibodies that are attacking body tissues and they do this without side effects or costing a lot, and they act within a very short period of time."
- Lorna Vanderhaege, Healthy Living Guide #132, Jan/Feb 1999

Various combinations of sterols and sterolins have been shown in clinical trials and anecdotal usage to provide nutritional support for joint and muscle-related conditions, pain-fatigue syndromes, neuromuscular conditions, hair and skin conditions, endocrine conditions, and almost all other immune dysfunctions.

There are two manufacturers of sterols/sterolins products, Moducare® and Natur-Leaf®. Both companies and their phytosterols products have an excellent reputation, and both have a number of clinical studies proving the effectiveness of their products. We have chosen to carry Natur-Leaf® because of it's purity and reputation.

Natur-Leaf®, when taken on a regular basis, can provide significant immun-regulating benefits and has been clinicallly proven to reduce cholesterol absorption.

Instead of using chemical processes of extraction (like other sterol/sterolin manufacturers), Natur-Leafä grows the organic sprouts hydroponically and harvests them at their peak of growth. They are then freeze-dried without using any harsh chemicals.

The process preserves all the valuable properties in the phytosterols. All nutrients are retained in this process. The ratio of the sterols to their sterolins is about 4:1 – exactly as it is in nature. Each capsule contains 40 mg of sterols and 8 mg of sterolins.

Caution: If you are pregnant, nursing, a diabetic, an organ transplant recipient or have multiple sclerosis, do not use unless on the advice of and under the direct supervision of a health care professional.

Lorna R. Vanderhaege, author of Healthy Immunity - Scientifically Proven Natural Treatments for Conditions from A-Z, is a huge advocate for using plant sterols and sterolins.

She recommends it for all autoimmune diseases except Multiple Sclerosis.

"I would like to thank you for your excellent product, Natur-Leaf®. I have personally been using it for 5 months with incredible results. I have been sick with debilitating allergies and asthma for the past 7 years... I have been strongly recommending it to my fellow doctors in the area." - Dr. L.H.

"I started to take Natur-Leaf because I suffered from seasonal allergies. I tried everything, including medications. Not only did Natur-Leaf help with my allergies, I noticed that I have not had a cold since." - M.M. (New York)

"I suffered from seasonal allergies for ten years. Not any more. Since taking Natur-Leaf, I feel much better." - J.J. (New York)

Professor Karl Pegel said in an interview, "I would simply advise any person with arthritis to supplement their diet with sitosterolins (Natur-Leaf sterols & sterolins)."

"Upon using the Natur-Leaf product, I have found remarkable benefits to my lifestyle. Before Natur-Leaf, I could not imagine a day without pain from my arthritis. I tried every cream and pill on the market with little or no help. With Natur-Leaf I can truthfully say it has done a world of good for me, and that's not all; at my last doctor's appointment, my doctor said that my cholesterol was absolutely great. I don't know how it works, but to the makers of Natur-Leaf my heartfelt thanks." - L.L. (Kentucky)

Morton Walker, D.P.M. writes, "Research studies have shown sterols and sterolins to provide important protective and therapeutic physiological effects for helping to maintain a healthy immune system."

"Many of the patients that I see in my clinical practice suffer from problems with their immune systems. Over the years I have learned to better understand not only what the immune system is, but what can go wrong. When I first heard about Natur-Leaf I was excited about its clinical implications. Since including it in my treatment protocols, I am very satisfied with the results that I have seen in a wide variety of conditions. I invite other clinicians to learn about the benefits of Natur-Leaf." - Dr H.B. Assoc. Professor of Nutrition

"A large number of studies have looked at the effectiveness of sitosterols, which is the primary ingredient of the Natur-Leaf prpoduct that we have used in our medical practice since February 2000." - Dr. Y. I. Sosonkin MD, DO

"I am 74 years old and have been taking Natur-Leaf for over a year. I work every day or play golf. I get up feeling good. I think it is a great product." - H.G.S. (Ohio)

"My husband and I would like to thank you for your product, Natur-Leaf. It has really helped our immune systems. We are crazy about it." - J.W. (Kentucky)

"I am so pleased to find and use Natur-Leaf. I had never heard of sterols/sterolins until I found this natural product. Since being on Natur-Leaf, I have not had the flu or other illnesses and I am feeling great! In addition to vitamins, Natur-Leaf is also on my daily regimen since it provides nutrition that I cannot get in my other vitamin supplements. Everyone should be on this product." - J.D. (New Mexico)

"I just wanted to say the that Natur-Leaf is one of the few that I have consistently taken over the past years. More than once a bug has come through our house and I only got a touch of it or none at all. Of course I do get the small common cold, but other viral bugs that are really horrible, do not bother me. I nowhave my husband taking the Natur-Leaf... usually he gets sick and it turns into pneumonia. This year, that did not happen. So I am feeling that I might have him around for a while.

I think the most important thing is that people know that you can't just take this product for a few weeks.... it has a cumulative effect from what I can tell. Thanks again for product that will do what is says it will do and more!" - A.P. (Florida)

"Six years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. PSA 4.0. My holistic doctor, who I repect greatly, placed me on an alternative medicine protocol. While I have had great confidence in this ongoing program my PSA number had gone up slowly. A test six months ago indicated the PSA had risen to 5.9.

At that time my doctor changed my protocol and the main ingredient in the new program is Natur-Leaf... I just received the results from my last test - PSA DOWN TO 3.7! - T.J. (Idaho)

"Several years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I had taken medications and then looked into alternative therapies. I heard about Natur-Leaf and thought I would give it a try. Was I surprised! It has helped my joints and improved my range of motion." - B.P. (New York)

"I have been using Natur-Leaf for several months in order to reduce inflammation caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have been taking 4 capsules a day. It has helped with the inflammation, yet I think I should try to up the dosage for a time and see if I could reduce my use of two other prescribed medications.

In any case, the Natur-Leaf has taken away a chronic sinus condition I had suffered with for 10 years, since ceasing use of nicotine. I greatly appreciate the help Natur-Leaf has afforded my life." - G.A.H. (New York)

Professor Patrick J.D. Bouic telss us that sterols/sterolins are effective for the control of rheumatoid arthritis. "They do this by reversing the immune abnormality at the site of the disease and by preventing damage caused by inflammation. They target the abnormality and correct its immune dysfunction."
- Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients 193/194:51-52, Aug/Sept. 1999