Amaranth Flour And Flaxseeds Boon to Hypercholesterolemic Patients: A Review

Abstract

The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia is rapidly rising in India. Several studies have reported that high cholesterol is prevalent among 15-20 percent of rural and 25-30 percent of urban population. Thus there is an utmost need to reduce the morbidity and mortality related to it. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, dietary management of hypercholesterolemia is important. Dietary management includes reduction in the intake of saturated fats, trans - fats and increased intake of fiber rich diet and essential fatty acids. As much as 10% of cholesterol can be reduced by a diet which is high in omega-3 fatty acid and fiber. Amaranth has higher antioxidant activity, protein and phytochemical content. On the other hand, flaxseeds are a good source of omega-3 essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid, lignin and fiber. It is beneficial to treat high cholesterol by good dietary intake.