Influence of food components on lipid metabolism: scenarios and perspective on the control and prevention of dyslipidemias

Cowpea: an overview on its nutritional facts and health benefits

“…These compounds are also reported to aid in the decreased absorption of cholesterol from the gut. 115,155,156 In another study conducted by Perera et al 29 on rats fed with a high-fat diet, all four cowpea varieties (Bombay, Waruni, Dawala and MI 35) tested were found to improve the lipid profile of rats compared to the control group. One of the mechanisms found was to occur via the increased excretion of fecal fat, which perfectly correlated with the soluble fiber present in the test samples.…”

“…The difference observed in the whole cowpea and protein isolate fed groups was justified by the presence of other compounds, such as tannins, phytic acids, plant sterols, saponins, resistant starches and soluble fiber in the whole cowpea diet. These compounds are also reported to aid in the decreased absorption of cholesterol from the gut . In another study conducted by Perera et al .…”

“…Similar to the in vitro studies, cowpea has been shown to reduce serum lipids in both experimental animals and humans . Studies conducted by Frota et al . demonstrated that the protein isolated from cowpea to modulate lipid homeostasis, leading to a significant reduction in total and non‐high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in both hypercholesterolemic hamsters and humans .…”

“…Cardiovascular diseases have become a major cause of mortality and morbidity in both the developed and developing world, and dyslipidemia is considered to be a main reason for the present condition. 41,115,148 Cholesterol metabolism is a complex scenario and, even after years of research, there is still a gap in the clear understanding of this process. 116,148 So far, treatment of hypercholesterolemia mainly focuses on modulating the intestinal absorption of fat and the endogenous biosynthesis of cholesterol.…”

“…Similar to the in vitro studies, cowpea has been shown to reduce serum lipids in both experimental animals 25,29,37 and humans. 117 Studies conducted by Frota et al 25,115,117 demonstrated that the protein isolated from cowpea to modulate lipid homeostasis, leading to a significant reduction in total and non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in both hypercholesterolemic hamsters 25 and humans. 117 The whole cowpea seed diet exerted its hypocholesterolemic activity in hamsters by increasing the fecal excretion of cholesterol compared to the cowpea protein isolate and casein diets.…”