Effects of Intake of Oatmeal in Serum Cholesterol

Back ground Soluble fibre has a cholesterol lowering effect. It is found in various grains especially barley and oats, as well as in pulses, fruits and vegetables. Oats contain a form of soluble fibre called oat beta-glucan which is particularly concentrated in the outer layers of the grain. Much of the research into the cholesterol lowering effects of soluble fibre has centered around oat beta glucan. Aim The aim of the present study is to check the effect of intake of oat meal on serum cholesterol level Method The study group included healthy adult men and women aged 3065 years. The participants received a daily serving of 100g oats for 4 weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol before and after the study. Result The results show a significant decrease in the level of total cholesterol in subjects after intake of oatmeal both for normal subjects and for hyperlipidemic patients.