The effects of Manitoban wild rice on cardiovascular risk factors in low density lipoprotein receptor knock-out (LDLr-KO) mice

Abstract

Wild rice is recognized as a whole grain by U.S. FDA and it is rich in polyphenol compounds. This study aimed to investigate the potential cardiovascular benefits of wild rice in LDLr-KO mice. Seventy-two male and female mice were randomly assigned to 3 different diet groups, control diet (a), white diet (b), and wild diet (c) for 24 weeks. Dietary cholesterol 0.06 % (w/w) was added in all diets, and digestible carbohydrate source was replaced with: (a) commercial carbohydrate source (sucrose and corn starch); (b) white rice; (c) wild rice. Incorporation of wild rice in the diet distinctly increases total phenolic content of the diet. Plasma total cholesterol, VLDL, and LDL cholesterol levels declined significantly in wild diet group. The hypocholesterolemic properties of wild rice were mainly attributed to the increased excretion of fecal cholesterol. Our data suggest that substituting refined grains with wild rice may potentially lower cardiovascular risks.