December 29/Krakow, Poland/Life Science Weekly -- New research, "Effect of Quinoa Seeds (Chenopodium Quinoa) in Diet on Some Biochemical Parameters and Essential Elements in Blood of High Fructose-fed Rats," is the subject of a report. "The effect of Chenopodium quinoa seeds on lipid profile, glucose level, protein metabolism and selected essential elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) level was determined in high-fructose fed male Wistar rats. Fructose decreased significantly LDL [42%, p<0.01] and activity of alkaline phosphatase [20%, p<0.05], and increased triglycerides level [86%, p<0.01]," researchers in Krakow, Poland, report.

"The analysis of blood of rats fed quinoa indicated, that these seeds effectively reduced serum total cholesterol [26%, p<0.05], LDL [57%, p<0.008] and triglycerides [11%, p<0.05] when compared to the control group. Quinoa seeds also significantly reduced the level of glucose [10%, p<0.01] and plasma total protein level [16%, p<0.001]. Fructose significantly decreased HDL [15%, p<0.05] level in control group but when the quinoa seeds were added into the diet the decrease of HDL level was inhibited. Quinoa seeds did not prevent any adverse effect of increasing triglyceride level caused by fructose," wrote P. Pasko and colleagues, Jagiellonian University.

The researchers concluded, "It was shown in this study that quinoa seeds can reduce most of the adverse effects exerted by fructose on lipid profile and glucose level."

Pasko and colleagues published their study in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition ("Effect of Quinoa Seeds (Chenopodium Quinoa) in Diet on Some Biochemical Parameters and Essential Elements in Blood of High Fructose-fed Rats," Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 2010;65(4):333-8).

For additional information, contact P. Pasko, Medical College, Dept. of Food Chemistry and Nutrition, The Jagiellonian University, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Krakow, Poland.

From the January 10, 2011, Prepared Foods E-dition