Source Food Technology Inc. (Research Triangle Park, Durham, N.C.) uses licensed proprietary technology from Brandeis University in its Nextra Gold[tm] cooking oils with phytosterols, a plant ingredient that has been heralded by the American Heart Association (Dallas) for its cholesterol-fighting abilities. Nextra Gold's patented, unique combination of palm, canola and plant sterols may help reduce or eliminate cholesterol absorption from fried foods and can function as a natural alternative to statin drugs.

“I believe it is difficult for people to change their eating and dietary behaviors,” says Hank Cardello, CEO of Source Food Technology Inc. “It is incumbent upon [food manufacturers] to make healthier versions of food that still taste good.” For example, Cardello explains that depending on the goals of his customer, Source Food can formulate a premium version where the right ratio of plant sterols could block dietary cholesterol absorbed by the body. In other words, with “cholesterol elimination oils,” a customer can eat a piece of fried chicken without absorbing any dietary cholesterol.