Cholesterol-lowering effect of extruded amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus L.) in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Hypercholesterolemic rabbits, obtained by a special diet, were divided in three groups, and each group was fed a different diet for 21 days. The diets were: extruded amaranth diet (EAD), diet with amaranth oil (AOD) and a control diet. Growth rates of rabbits were similar in all groups. After being fed the experimental diets, total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations were lower in rabbits fed the EAD than in those fed the AOD or the control diet. Triglycerides and VLDL-C concentrations were approximately 50% lower in rabbits fed the EAD and the AOD than in rabbits fed the control diet. No significant differences were found among HDL-C concentrations of the three groups. These results demonstrate that the consumption of extruded amaranth reduces LDL and total cholesterol levels and may be another option to prevent coronary heart diseases.