My parents use a butter spread that claims to "actively remove cholesterol". I've noticed several types of butter/oil spreads at the grocery store, meant to replace butter or margarine, and are touted as "healthy alternatives".

However, one brand says that it is "clinically proven to actively remove cholesterol". Is this true, and to what degree? Is this butter spread actually healthy (use some every day) or is it just a healthy alternative (no trans-fat like butter).

The fine print says: the plant sterol esters inhibit absorption of cholesterol from small intestine (this sounds different than the large font on front of package saying it REMOVES cholesterol, instead of just inhibiting absorption).

Is there another way to consume these plant sterols? Are we supposed to be consuming butter spreads to stay healthy?! Either way, the marketing works because my parents are loading up their whole-wheat bread and potatoes with this stuff, because they say it's GOOD to help them REDUCE their cholesterol!

Thanks for any information!