Abstract: The present invention is a composition containing cholesterol lowering and blood lipids lowering components such as phytosterols in a biologically easily available form in combination with unsaturated fatty acids or esters, short chain fatty acids or esters and/or hydrolyzed flour containing ?-glucan and amylodextrin; food containing such a composition and a method for manufacturing of such a composition.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition containing a cholesterol lowering component such as &bgr;-sitosterol and/or &bgr;-sitostanol in a monomolecular, low associated or “cluster” form, where a melt and/or solution of the said components are distributed, immobilised and stabilised in a matrix; food containing such a composition and a method of preparing this composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of diols of the general formula (I) ##STR1## and monoesters thereof of the general formula (II) ##STR2## and the general formula (III) ##STR3## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same of different groups and each denotes a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably a methyl group. The process of this invention comprises condensing in a multi-phase reaction environment an aldehyde containing a hydrogen atom in the alpha position and having the general formula (IV) ##STR4## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 having the meaning given above, in the presence of a catalytic system consisting of a phase transferring catalyst and an alkaline substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to set free sterols from organic materials containing esters of such sterols, generally enriched distillation residues, or desodorisates by treating said organic material with ammonia and/or an amine and/or compound releases ammonia and/or amines while heated, the treament being carried out preferably at an elevated temperature, and under an elevated pressure.