comparison of the effects of dietary fiber concentrated from carrot sunflower seed and wheat bran on the serum cholesterol and blood glucose response in cholesterol-fed rats

ABSTRACT

Wheat bran 80% ethanol-insoluble residues from sunflower seeds or carrot were incorporated in purified diets to reach a 6% fiber level. Cholesterol-fed rats were fed on either one of the fiber diets or a fiber-fee diet. Serum and HDL [high density lipoprotein]-cholesterol levels were unchanged. Blood glucose levels tended to be reduced. The 6% level of the tested fibers was well tolerated, but the weights of the heart, spleen and liver were significantly decreased by carrot, carrot and sunflower seed fiber and sunflower seed fiber, respectively, suggesting that the safety of these fiber concentrates needs further investigation