Abstract: Disclosed are a method for dispersing plant sterol for beverage and a plant sterol-dispersed beverage, of which particle size is nanometer-scale in dispersed beverage. The dispersion of plant sterols starts with the admixing of plant sterol to at least one emulsifier selected from the group consisting of sucrose fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester and polyglycerine fatty acid ester, followed by melting the admixture by heating at 60 to 200° C. Afterwards, the molten substance is mixed with an aqueous beverage alone or an emulsifier-containing aqueous beverage in state of its own molten type or power type. This resulting mixture is stirred at a high speed to give a dispersion of plant sterols in an aqueous beverage. The beverage is superior in bioavailability, having good mouth feel, transparent aspect and no influence on the characteristic taste, flavor and color of the beverages.

Abstract: Disclosed are the plant sterol-containing food, and methods for preparing the same. The particle size of the plant sterol contained in the food is nanometer-scale, and the plant sterol-containing food of the present invention inhibits the absorption of cholesterol.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for dispersing plant sterol in aqueous substrates and a plant sterol-dispersed beverage. The dispersion of plant sterols starts with the admixing of plant sterol to an emulsifier, followed by melting the admixture by heating at 60 to 200° C. Afterwards, the molten substance is mixed with an aqueous beverage alone or an emulsifier-containing aqueous beverage. This resulting mixture is stirred at a high speed to give a dispersion of plant sterols in an aqueous beverage. Optionally, the dispersion may be homogenized. In the beverage thus obtained, there are contained nano-sized micelles which are superior in bioavailability, having no influence on the characteristic taste and flavor of the beverages. Also, the improvement in the dispersion stability of the plant sterol micelles has the effect of prolonging the life span of the beverage, guaranteeing the stability of the products for a long period of time.