Effect of Quinoa Seeds (Chenopodium quinoa) in Diet on some Biochemical Parameters and Essential Elements in Blood of High Fructose-Fed Rats

The effect of Chenopodium quinoa seeds on lipid profile, glucose level, protein metabolism and selected essential elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) level was determined in high—fructose fed male Wistar rats. Fructose decreased significantly LDL 42%, p < 0.01] and activity of alkaline phosphatase 20%, p < 0.05], and increased triglycerides level 86%, p < 0.01]. The analysis of blood of rats fed quinoa indicated, that these seeds effectively reduced serum total cholesterol 26%, p < 0.05], LDL 57%, p < 0.008] and triglycerides 11%, p < 0.05] when compared to the control group. Quinoa seeds also significantly reduced the level of glucose 10%, p < 0.01] and plasma total protein level 16%, p < 0.001]. Fructose significantly decreased HDL 15%, p < 0.05] level in control group but when the quinoa seeds were added into the diet the decrease of HDL level was inhibited. Quinoa seeds did not prevent any adverse effect of increasing triglyceride level caused by fructose. It was shown in this study that quinoa seeds can reduce most of the adverse effects exerted by fructose on lipid profile and glucose level.