Effects of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Consumption on Markers of CVD Risk

Abstract

A number of epidemiological studies have suggested that diets rich in whole grains are linked to lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality. Quinoa, a pseudo-cereal, is included in the “whole grain” category but the effects of quinoa consumption in humans is not widely studied. Our aim was to undertake a dietary intervention study to investigate the effects of daily consumption of quinoa-enriched bread (providing 20 g quinoa flour) on CVD risk markers compared with a 100% refined wheat bread control. Thirty-seven healthy overweight men (35–70 years, body mass index >25 kg/m2) completed a 4-week cross-over intervention, separated by a 4-week washout period. Fasting blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of each intervention period. Continuous glucose monitoring was undertaken at the end of each intervention period. After 4 weeks of intervention, blood glucose and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were significantly lower than baseline in both groups but there was no difference between quinoa and control. Anthropometric measures and other blood metabolites were not different between the two treatments. The cumulative area under the blood glucose curve for the last 4 days of the quinoa intervention tended to be lower than the first 4 days of wash-out (p = 0.054), and was significantly lower than the corresponding period of the wheat treatment (p = 0.039). In conclusion, daily consumption of quinoa in this short-term intervention appears to modify glucose response, but has minimal effects on other CVD risk biomarkers.

Dietary Fiber, Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Disease

“…The authors reported that after four weeks, blood cholesterol and blood glucose were lower than the baseline in both groups, but there was no difference between the participant’s groups which consumed quinoa versus the group that consumed 100% refined wheat. The authors attributed the lack of significance to the short follow-up period [67]. Another randomized controlled crossover trial for five weeks in 30 participants with mild hypercholesterolemia compared the intake of β-glucan with a control diet and reported the reduction of total cholesterol with β-glucan groups, but no effect on cholesterol synthesis or absorption.…”

Variations of Saponins, Minerals and Total Phenolic Compounds Due to Processing and Cooking of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Seeds

“…The evident benefits for health necessitate the inclusion of quinoa products in the nutrition of both adults and children. In addition, the intake of quinoa-based products is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, colorectal cancer in adult patients [8].…”

Whole grain food diet slightly reduces cardiovascular risks in obese/overweight adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…However, only triglycerides and total cholesterol showed slight differences in animals, with high heterogeneity [40]. On the other hand, another trial on quinoa suggested that quinoa consumption can regulate glucose response, with only minimal effects on other CVD risk biomarkers [41]. As a result, the discrepancies among studies in this review could be related to different diets, and thus, further subgroup analysis should be conducted based on the type of whole grains diet.…”