The Cholesterol-Supporting Habit More People Are Turning To — And It’s Not What You’d Expect

In the ongoing search for better heart health, a simple routine is gaining momentum: a chocolate-flavored chew, taken throughout the day, that fits easily into everyday life.

It’s called Benecol® Soft Chews, and it contains a plant-based ingredient that’s been studied in over 70 clinical trials for its role in supporting healthy cholesterol levels when used as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Unlike many heart health tools, this one isn’t a pill, powder, or prescription. It’s a soft, convenient option designed to work with the way people already live and eat

How It Works: Backed by Science

Plant stanol esters are structurally similar to cholesterol. When consumed, they compete with cholesterol during digestion, reducing the amount absorbed into the bloodstream. The stanols themselves are not absorbed and are excreted naturally.

This process has been reviewed and supported by extensive research and is recognized by the FDA as a dietary tool for cholesterol management. International health organizations also include plant stanol esters in their recommendations for therapeutic lifestyle changes.

Importantly, plant stanol esters can also be used in addition to statin medications, and may provide an additive effect when used alongside them as part of a cholesterol-lowering plan.

.A Naturally Derived Ingredient That Works in the Digestive Tract

At the center of Benecol Soft Chews is plant stanol esters, a compound found naturally in many plant foods like fruits and vegetables — though in amounts too small to be effective on their own.

When taken in the recommended 2-gram daily dose, plant stanol esters have been clinically shown to help reduce cholesterol absorption in the digestive tract. As part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, this can contribute to maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels.

Benecol Soft Chews provide that full 2-gram dose in four soft chews per day, spaced across meals or snacks.

Making Heart Health More Accessible

Many adults are looking for ways to support their health without dramatically changing their diets or adding complex supplement routines. Benecol Soft Chews offer a way to take action that feels realistic, approachable, and consistent.

They can be taken with meals or snacks — one chew at a time, four times a day — and require no prep or refrigeration.

The chews are designed for everyday use by adults interested in managing cholesterol through lifestyle. They can be taken on their own or alongside statins, depending on your personal health plan.

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