Cholesterol-lowering properties of amaranth flakes, crude and refined oils in hamsters

Hamsters were fed five diets (eight/group) for 4 weeks. Control diet was casein-based, containing American Fat Blend, coconut oil, 0.05 wt.% cholesterol. In diet 2, amaranth flakes partly replaced casein, starch, and corn oil. In diet 3, crude amaranth oil replaced all corn oil and some coconut oil. Diet 4 contained refined amaranth oil. Diet 5 contained unsaponifiables equal to that in crude amaranth oil, diet 3. There were no differences in growth, or liver and adipose weights. Cecum weight/body weight was reduced with diets 2 and 4; but increased with diet 3. Plasma lipids were not significantly affected by treatments, although diet 2 decreased total cholesterol (TC) by 10%. HDL and TC/HDL ratio were not affected by treatment; diet 2 tended to reduce the TC/HDL ratio. Diet 2, and diet 3 increased TAG. Amaranth flakes, including their protein, starch, oil, and phytochemical components, did not show potent cholesterol lowering properties.