A new study published in the March issue of the american journal of clinical nutrition (Vol. 83, pp. 601-605), claims that beta-glucan fruit drinks can lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL-C).

Beta-glucan, a non-starch polysaccharide found in oats is a soluble fiber that when incorporated in beverages seems to be more efficient in lowering cholesterol levels.

The researchers reported that, after five weeks, both control and test groups had similar dietary intakes except for beta-glucan intake.

"In the current study, serum concentrations of total cholesterol decreased significantly by 0.060 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) and those of LDL cholesterol by 0.062 mmol/L," reported lead author Elke Naumann from Maastricht University, Netherlands.

No significant change in HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerols and total lipid-soluble antioxidants was measured. However, serum concentrations of lycopene, and alpha- and beta-carotene were found to be lower in the beta-glucan group.

The mechanism by which beta-glucan lowers LDL-C is still not clear but the researchers speculate that beta-glucan bound to bile acids, and so preventing reabsorption in the intestine and increasing excretion. The liver then compensates by increasing hepatic cholesterol synthesis to produce more bile.

While the market these days are swamped with cereals that are naturally high in fiber, it wouldn't hurt to launch more food products that have the capacity to lower cholesterol.

Source: NutraIngredients