Journal Article

The Effects of Chia and Quinoa Seed Mixes on the Nutritional, Biochemical and Histological Parameters on Obese Rats

El-Kholey, Heba M, Arafa, Rasha M, Gamil, Asmaa S

2025

Overview

In the past few years, obesity and its complications have become more common. As a result, consumers are seeking to incorporate more functional foods into their diets. Chia) Salvia hispanica and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) are essential traditional crops with excellent nutritional properties. Therefore, the present study investigated the potential effect of chia and quinoa seeds mixes (CQSm) in an animal model to alleviate symptoms of obesity and other related complications. Thirty male albino rats weighing (130 ± 10 g) were used in this study. The rats were divided into two main groups: the first main group (6 rats) fed on a basal diet (as a control negative group). The second main group (24 rats) was fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks to induce obesity. This group was divided into four subgroups as follows: subgroup (1) fed on (HFD) as a positive control group; subgroup (2) fed on (HFD) diet containing 5% CQSm; subgroup (3): fed on (HFD) diet containing 10% CQSm; subgroup (4(: fed on (HFD( diet containing 20% CQSm. Sensory evaluation for tortilla bread fortified with CQSm was also done. Results indicated that feeding obese rats with diets containing different levels of the mixture of both seeds induced a significant decrease in feed intake, body weight gain%, and peritoneal fat thickness. On the other hand, biochemical analysis showed a significant improvement in values of serum lipid profile, liver enzyme activity, kidney functions, blood glucose, leptin hormone, and antioxidant enzyme activities. In addition, histological examination of the liver and kidneys of rats in groups treated with different levels of the mixture of both seeds showed a noticeable improvement in the tissue structure of these organs. Healthy tortilla bread was produced with proportions of 5, 10, and 20% of CQSm. Sensory evaluation indicated that all tortilla bread samples had an acceptance greater than 75%. In conclusion, the current study indicates that the mixture of chia and quinoa seeds has improved biomarkers, and can be used as a functional food in the diets of obese rats. Based on these results, it is suggested that incorporating foods rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, such as chia and quinoa seeds, into our consumption habits through healthy and safe products may have a protective role against obesity and its associated complications and potentially prevent its progression.

• Publisher: جامعة الزقازيق - كلية التربية النوعية
• Subject: الأنظمة الغذائية / بذور الشيا / مرض السمنة