Okara, Soybean Residue, Prevents Obesity in a Diet-Induced Murine Obesity Model

Abstract

We examined the effect of okara on the prevention of obesity in mice. A modified AIN-76 diet with a high fat content (14.1% of crude fat) was used as a basal diet. Male ICR mice were fed ad libitum with the basal diet or a dried okara-supplemented basal diet (10, 20, or 40%) for 10 weeks. The okara intake dose-dependently suppressed the development of body weight and epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT), and prevented an increase of plasma lipids, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-esterified fatty acid. The okara intake also prevented steatosis in the liver. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that the okara intake induced downregulation of the fatty acid synthetase gene and upregulation of the cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) gene in the liver. We also found that the okara intake caused a marked reduction in the expression of leptin and TNF-alpha genes in EWAT. Our results suggest that okara is beneficial in preventing obesity.

Production and evaluation of breakfast cereals from blends of acha and fermented soybean paste (okara)

“…Table 4 showed that moisture content ranged from 9.88 to 4.71 % where sample UFAC had the highest moisture content and sample UFOK had the lowest value. The moisture content of sample UFOK was 4.71 % which was lower than the results obtained by Matsumoto et al (2007) that was 8.9 %. This could be from the difference in processing (drying time).…”

Effects of Lactobacillus Fermented Soymilk and Soy Yogurt on Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Rats Fed a Cholesterol-Free Diet

“…13) Feeding efficiency was almost same in the two groups. Soy yogurt did not significantly affect food intake or body weight gain as compared with control diet.…”

“…33) Matsumoto et al have also reported up-regulation of the hepatic CYP7a1 gene due to ingestion of okara. 13) Since the expression of enzymes in cholesterol synthesis was down-regulated, in spite of up-regulation of CYP7a1, total bile acid excreted in the feces did not increase. Additionally, the expression of malic enzyme (ME) decreased.…”

“…12) Matsumoto et al have also reported the effects of okara in decreasing plasma cholesterol and in the prevention of hepatic lipid accumulation. 13) These studies suggest that okara is available as a functional food, but it is not easy to use intact okara as food material due to its taste.…”

Hypolipidemic Effect of Young Persimmon Fruit in C57BL/6.KOR-ApoEshlMice

“…1) Evidence from human clinical and epidemiologic studies suggests that hyperlipidemia is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease. 2,3) Its prevention and therapy should therefore be a worldwide priority, and numerous studies of agents beneficial in its treatment, including drugs, 4,5) natural products, 6,7) and foods, 8,9) have been reported. Spontaneously hyperlipidemic (SHL) mice, established by inbreeding of Japanese wild mice (Mus musculus molossinus), have high plasma cholesterol due to disruption of the apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene.…”