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Abstract
The fatty acids found in nuts are important regulators of the metabolism. These acids are frequently associated with a reduction of serum cholesterol and body fat and a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify and quantify the nut oil fatty acids from Attalea phalerata and investigate their metabolic effects in rats with hyperlipidemia induced by a diet rich in fructose. Oleic and lauric acids were the major compounds found in the A. phalerata nut oil (APNO). Hyperlipidemic rats treated with APNO showed a reduction in the total serum cholesterol similar to those treated with simvastatin, an increased body temperature by 1 °C, and a reduction in the body weight gain and mesenteric depot of white adipose tissue compared to the hyperlipidemic controls rats. There was an increase in the relative liver weight of rats treated with APNO, without, however, any change in the serum markers of hepatic toxicity. In addition, there was an increase in the moisture and lipid content of the feces of the rats treated with APNO compared to the controls. Together, these results suggest that APNO has potential use in health foods and nutritional supplements to control hypercholesterolemia and obesity.
Highlights
Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng (Arecaceae) is a palm tree found in the central highlands of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru [1], popularly known as the “bacuri,” and has economic importance as a source of vegetable oil [2]
In terms of food safety, the oil extracted by pressing is of better quality than the solvent-extracted oil, due to the absence of chemical residues in both the oil and the flour, a byproduct generated after oil extraction that can be used for food for both humans and animals
The average value obtained for the acidity of the A. phalerata nut oil (APNO) after extraction was 0.12%, within the limits observed for oils according to Codex Alimentarius [12]
Summary
Attalea phalerata Mart. ex Spreng (Arecaceae) is a palm tree found in the central highlands of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru [1], popularly known as the “bacuri,” and has economic importance as a source of vegetable oil [2]. Ex Spreng (Arecaceae) is a palm tree found in the central highlands of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru [1], popularly known as the “bacuri,” and has economic importance as a source of vegetable oil [2] This palm has bunches of fruit that have a fibrous, juicy pulp, a woody endocarp, and 2–4 hard nuts, which are mainly consumed fresh. Consumption of the nuts is related to beneficial metabolic effects, such as the reduction of serum cholesterol and body fat [3], resulting in a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease [4] These effects are mainly related to the fatty acids found in the nuts [5], which are important sources of energy and precursors of bioactive molecules with different metabolic and biochemical functions [6]. Saturated fatty acids (SAFAs), the main constituent of coconut oil [7], are recommended in diets for weight loss because they are oxidized in the liver, increase energy expenditure, resulting in decreased corporal adiposity [8].
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