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How Step One Foods Works

Science-Backed Food as Medicine

Step One Foods are clinically formulated to block cholesterol absorption and reabsorption in the digestive system, actively reducing the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Grounded in pharmaceutical-level science and proven through a randomized clinical trial, every serving of Step One Foods delivers the precise amounts of key nutrients demonstrated to help lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health.

Eating to Lower Cholesterol Made Easy

Combining the right food ingredients in the right amounts to achieve meaningful cholesterol reduction can be challenging.  We took the guesswork out to make it easy.  Every serving of every product delivers the precise amounts of whole food fiber, plant sterols, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids known to impact cholesterol levels and help you achieve results. All you have to do is eat two servings a day by replacing something you’re eating now. It’s really that easy!

Address the Root Cause of High Cholesterol

Statins block the body’s ability to make more cholesterol. Step One Foods block the body from absorbing it in the first place.  This is achieved by combining fiber, plant sterols, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids in the right amounts.  During digestion, fiber binds to cholesterol particles moving them out of the body, while plant sterols actively block the absorption of cholesterol by the digestive tract.  Antioxidants prevent plaque build-up in the blood vessels, while omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and lower triglycerides. 

Real results. Real people.

Yes, they were skeptical too.

Discover the four building blocks of heart health.

Fiber

Found in foods like oat bran, flaxseed and dried fruit, fiber binds to cholesterol particles in the intestine and moves them out of the body.

Plant Sterols

Plant sterols - a group of substances made in plants such as nuts and seeds - block cholesterol absorption in the digestive tract.

Antioxidants

Found in foods like dark chocolate, berries and pecans, antioxidants help prevent the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels.

Omega-3

Omega-3s - essential fatty acids present in foods such as chia seeds, walnuts and flaxseed - reduce inflammation and help lower triglycerides while raising HDL (good) cholesterol.

When Statins Are Not an Option

There are a variety of reasons people can’t use statin medications or are unable to attain goal cholesterol levels despite taking them. Some people steer clear of cholesterol medications altogether due to personal preference. Recognizing that this leaves many individuals at persistently increased risk of heart disease, The American College of Cardiology recently published an Expert Consensus document that advocates ensuring strategic dietary change (including adequate intake of fiber and plant sterols) as a cornerstone of cholesterol management. Step One Foods were formulated specifically to address this recommendation.

Minimizing Statin Side Effects

People taking statin drugs to treat high cholesterol can develop side effects, especially with high medication doses. This typically manifests as muscle aches, but some notice cognitive changes, or are concerned about an increased risk for developing diabetes or drug interactions. Because statin side effects are mostly dose dependent, reducing the need for high drug doses by at least partially lowering cholesterol levels with food helps reduce the chance of experiencing medication side effects.

We never advocate that you stop or modify your medication regimen on your own. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication dose.

Beyond Cholesterol Lowering

The plant-based, whole-food nutrients that makeup Step One Foods support healthy weight loss, improve digestion, stabilize blood sugars and help lower blood pressure, so you feel as good as your numbers look.

The high levels of dietary fiber in Step One Foods helps improve digestion and regularity and reduce bloating. The concentrated fiber delivery also slows carbohydrate absorption, improving blood sugar control. High fiber content also helps keep you feeling fuller longer, for easier weight control. Almost all Step One Foods are very low in sodium, helping bring down your blood pressure while lowering your cholesterol.