Phytosterols in Snack-Maker's Plans?

Trying to cut down on cholesterol? Break open a bag of tortilla chips.

It's a scenario that some Brandeis University scientists imagine could someday become a reality.

Researchers are frying chips in oil spiked with an ingredient from plants called phytosterols, which can soak up cholesterol without harming taste.

One of the Brandeis scientists working on the method acknowledges that fried chips, doughnuts and the like may forever remain the stuff of nutritionists' nightmares. He says he's not an advocate of eating chips, he just wants to add the health benefit of reducing cholesterol.

Steve - Of course, looking for the easy way out! Nevertheless, the fact that snack-makers are looking into phytosterols shows that they are making an effort, albeit at a snail's pace, to make some of their products healthier.