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Article, How ProActiv Works

How ProActiv Works

ProActiv foods contain plant sterols which are clinically proven by over 50 studies to lower cholesterol by 7 to 10% in just two to three weeks.* So, while ProActiv products taste delicious they are also a healthy choice supporting you on your cholesterol lowering journey.

How does ProActiv work?

ProActiv contains plant sterols. These are naturally found in vegetable oils, fruits and vegetables and they work by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed by your gut. This reduces the amount in your bloodstream, resulting in lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

How can I include ProActiv foods in my diet?

To consume the optimum amount of plant sterols required for cholesterol lowering you need to have either: 3 servings of ProActiv spreads or skimmed milk, or 1 serving of our Mini Health Drinks every day.

You could add a serving of spread to your morning toast, and lunchtime sandwiches, or melt it over vegetables for your evening meal. (Like other reduced fat spreads, it’s not suitable for baking or frying.) The skimmed milk is ideal on cereal at breakfast time, in your tea, or whenever you feel like it.

Mini drinks come in 2 flavours – Original and Strawberry – and make a yummy drink or dessert.

How often should I eat ProActiv foods?

Every day – to consume the optimum amount of plant sterols required for cholesterol lowering. You could have one mini drink, or three servings of milk or spread – one serving is about two teaspoons (10g) of spread or one glass (250ml) of milk.

What happens if I forget to use them?

Missing out on ProActiv foods for a day or two won’t matter too much, but your cholesterol levels will slowly increase again if you carry on. So if your cholesterol’s at a new lower level and you want to keep it that way, eat ProActiv foods regularly as part of a varied, balanced diet and lifestyle.

Do I still need to eat a healthy diet?

Yes: ProActiv should be eaten as part of a diet that’s low in saturated fat and salt, with plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Other aspects of your lifestyle, like not smoking, keeping physically active and managing stress, are also important.

Who can eat ProActiv?

ProActiv is suitable if you’re following a healthy diet and lifestyle to lower your cholesterol*, or if you’re using cholesterol-lowering medication, like statins.

You should always consult your GP about the cholesterol-lowering treatment that’s best for you, especially if you’re on medication. ProActiv foods may not be nutritionally suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, or children under five.

References:

  1. Commission Regulation (EU) No 686/2014 as 20 June 2014 amending Regulations (EC) No 983/2009 and (EU) No 384/2010 as regards the conditions of use of certain health claims related to the lowering effect of plant sterols and plant stanols on blood LDL-cholesterol.
  2. HEART UK (2017). Plant sterols and stanols https://www.heartuk.org.uk/downloads/factsheets/plant-sterols.pdf (accessed 04.07.19)
  3. British Heart Foundation. Healthy Eating https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/healthy-living/healthy-eating (accessed 04.07.19)