The effect of various vegetable supplements on serum cholesterol

Several previous studies have indicated that vegetables may lower serum total cholesterol. This study, using a Latin square experimental design, investigates the effect of three vegetable supplements (vegetable roots, vegetable leaves and stalks, whole grains) on serum lipoprotein cholesterol. The results from each vegetable supplement are compared to the results from a sucrose supplement of equal caloric content. Dietary fat, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, body weight, and physical activity are all controlled in the experimental design or the analysis. The results show that the effect of vegetables on serum cholesterol is not confined to one vegetable grouping or one type of lipoprotein cholesterol. Vegetable leaves and stalks are associated with lower values of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (and possibly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and total cholesterol. Whole grains are associated with lower values of low density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol. In addition to the actual cholesterol lowering effect compared to sucrose, the lack of an increase, suggests some advantage in the use of these vegetable groupings (even roots) as a replacement for fat in the diet, and vegetable leaves and whole grains as a replacement for sucrose.