The handy box of heart pills includes one main ingredient that has been ‘clinically proven to lower cholesterol levels’
Boots shoppers can grab a pack of cholesterol-lowering pills – but they must act quickly. As part of the weekly £10 Tuesday sale, shoppers can pick up the 60-pack of Boots own-brand Max Strength Plant Sterols Capsules for less today (Jan 7).
As with all own-branded products, shoppers can make their purchases even cheaper with a Boots Advantage Card. This shaves another 10% off the final price, making these cost just £9.
The ‘clinically proven’ claim that these capsules slash cholesterol levels comes from the main ingredient of the supplement – plant sterols. These are naturally occurring substances that can help lower cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed into the blood and small intestine.
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It can also reduce the amount of cholesterol the body makes. It is considered safe and beneficial for people with high cholesterol or who have had a heart attack.
The only way to confirm if you have high cholesterol is through a blood test, often completed by your GP. Medical experts will often explain to patients who have this condition to overhaul their lifestyle – including a better diet and exercise regime – paired with medication like statins.
Cholesterol is often labelled as a ‘silent killer’ with few real symptoms before it’s too late and you suffer a heart attack or stroke. So, it’s important to take any diagnosis seriously.
According to Boots, these plant sterol supplements have the most beneficial effect “with a daily intake of 1500 – 3000mg plant sterols”. The box instructs people that they should take two per day, with 1000mg per capsule.
Dozens have tried the capsules and shared their thoughts in the reviews section. One said: “I bought these to reduce my cholesterol and it’s brought it down from 6.9 to 6.1. Very happy it’s going in the right direction. Last year it was 7.3 so it’s working great.”
Another added: “Helped lower cholesterol without having to eat nasty margarine or endless yoghurt drinks!” A third told others the capsules “had no nasty aftertaste” and helped their cholesetol too.
Someone else shared: “I have been using these in place of statins for over a year and they are helping to control my cholesterol levels.” It should be stressed that, if prescribed by a doctor, then you should continue to take any medication until told otherwise. Also, make sure you speak to your doctor first before taking any new medication, like these cholesterol-lowering tablets, to check they’re suitable for you.
However, not every shopper was happy. Someone claimed their cholesterol “went up” whilst another suggested they were “not easy to swallow”, going as far as getting a ruler out and measuring the “torpedo-shaped tablets” as 2.5cm long each.
Similar supplements can be found elsewhere. For example, you can order Horbaach’s High Strength (1200mg) Plant Sterols in a 120-pack on Amazon for £13.99 with free delivery.
Elsewhere, you can get Holland & Barrett’s own-brand Cholestaguard Plant Sterols for £11.49. The 60-capsule pack, which works out at 19p per pill, has over 100 reviews and an overall 3.7 out of five star rating online.
While research shows taking planet sterols can positively impact cholesterol levels, they are not a miracle solution. The best ways to keep cholesterol at a healthy rate include regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
