[LDL-cholesterol-lowering effect of a mixed green vegetable and fruit beverage containing broccoli and cabbage in hypercholesterolemic subjects]

Abstract

The serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering effects of two types of canned beverage containing mixed green vegetables and fruits, with or without broccoli and cabbage (B&C), were examined in a randomized double-blind study design. Seventy-seven adults subjects with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia participated in this study after giving their informed consent. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. One group(test group) was allocated a test sample, containing B&C as the main materials. Another group(control group) was allocated a placebo sample made from the same materials but without B&C. The subjects were administered 2 cans of the assigned sample (160 g contents/can) per day for 12 weeks. Forty-nine out of 77 subjects, whose LDL-C levels were greater than or equal to 140 mg/dl and less than 180 mg/dl, were analyzed for the effectiveness. Serum LDL-C levels in the test group were significantly(p < 0.05) reduced at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after administration in comparison to the baseline levels (155.7 mg/dl in average). The average LDL-C value at 9 weeks was 142.5 mg/dl and the reduction rate was 8.5%. But serum LDL-C levels in the control group were not significantly reduced. Significant differences(p < 0.05) between the groups were observed in the LDL-C levels at 6 and 9 weeks and also in the total cholesterol levels at 9 week. Thus daily intake of the beverage tested containing B&C are useful for lowering serum LDL-C levels in hypercholesterolemic subjects.