Cholesterol metabolism can be detrimentally altered by influences mediated through diet and lifestyle, including oxidative stress, insulin resistance, biological aging, and inflammation. Eventually, chronic dyslipidemia can negatively impact immune balance, through the body’s response to deposition and oxidation of excess lipids.

Much research attention has focused on plant-based diets, and on plant analogues of lipids and sterols. Tartary Buckwheat has emerged as a nutritious plant that can influence cholesterol levels, and it supplies considerable levels of protein and dietary fiber along with a uniquely rich phytonutrient profile. In addition, Tartary Buckwheat is a gluten-free cereal that is not related to wheat, making it appropriate for those avoiding gluten or other wheat-related allergens.

In the first of two controlled experiments, researchers provided hypercholesterolemic hamsters with diets containing either cholestyramine (a cholesterol binder) or isolated phytonutrients, to compare their relative efficacy in reducing cholesterol levels. In the second investigation, they gave hypercholesterolemic hamsters diets based on either cholestyramine, rice protein, wheat protein, or Tartary Buckwheat protein. In addition to effects on total cholesterol, sterol excretion and genetic regulation of cholesterol absorption and bile excretion were compared among treatments.

Tartary Buckwheat Protein Alters Cholesterol Metabolism in Animals

KEY TAKEAWAY:

Tartary Buckwheat is known to benefit metabolism and circulation of cholesterol, yet research had not previously determined which nutritional components of Tartary Buckwheat are mainly responsible for these actions. This preclinical study shows that Tartary Buckwheat protein contributes greatly to these observed effects, and demonstrates its value for improving dietary influences on healthy lipid metabolism.