A direct correlation has been reported between excessive fat intake and the development and progression of various enteropathies. Plant foods may contain bioactive compounds and non-digestible dietary fiber, with potential to improve intestinal health. Chia is a good source of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. Our study evaluated the role of chia flour associated with a high-fat diet (HFD) on colon histomorphometry, intestinal functionality and intestinal microbiome composition and function in Wistar rats. The study used 32 young male rats separated into four groups to receive a standard diet (SD) or HFD, with or without chia, for 35 days. At the end of the study, the cecum, cecal content and duodenum were collected. The consumption of chia increased the production of short-chain fatty acids and improved fecal moisture. Chia consumption improved the circular muscle layer in the SD group. The diversity and abundance of intestinal bacteria were not affected, but increased richness was observed in the microbiome of the SD+chia group. Moreover, chia consumption decreased the expression of proteins involved in intestinal functionality. Chia consumption improved intestinal morphology and functionality in young Wistar rats but was insufficient to promote significant changes in the intestinal microbiome in a short term of 35 days.

The reduction in estrogen levels is associated with the increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease development. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chia consumption in a standard diet (SD) or high fat diet (HFD) on ovariectomized (OVX) and non-ovariectomized (SHAM) rats, in relation to biometric measurements, oxidative stress, mineral content and ATPase enzymes in the heart. The study was conducted with 80 female Wistar rats, which received a SD or HFD for 18 weeks. During the first 7 weeks, the animals received the SD or HFD. Then, 40 rats were ovariectomized and 40 rats were SHAM operated. After recovery from surgery, the animals were allocated to 8 groups (n = 10) and they received one of the following diets for 8 weeks: SD, SD + chia, HFD and HFD + chia. In the OVX group, HFD increased weight gain, adiposity, cardiac hypertrophy, and nitric oxide (NO) and K concentration and decreased the Na⁺/K⁺ATPase activity. In combination with HFD, ovariectomy decreased the catalase activity, Mg, Cu and Zn concentration, total ATPase activity, and Na⁺/K⁺ATPase and Mg2 + ATPase activities; this group also presented higher NO, Ca, K, Fe and Mn concentration in the heart. The SHAM group fed chia presented a lower fat content in the heart. In the OVX group fed HFD, chia increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, decreased NO and maintained the content of minerals and ATPase enzymes. Thus, chia improved the biometric parameters of the heart, the antioxidant activity and maintained the content of minerals and ATPase enzymes, showing a cardioprotective action, but without reversing the deleterious effects of ovariectomy.

Chia consumption increased the richness and diversity of the microbiota. In addition, it increased the production of acetic and butyric acids in the SDC group and propionic acid in the HFD group, and decreased the pH of cecal content.

Cashew nut oil adds value to the production chain of this Brazilian oilseed. It is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and bioactive compounds, such as phenolics. This study investigated the effects of cashew nut oil on the metabolism of animals subjected to a high‐fat diet. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high‐fat diet (12 weeks), then switched to diets containing cashew nut oil, soybean oil, or lard (12 weeks). Diets were characterized for their fatty acid profile. General parameters, metabolic markers, oxidative stress, gene expression, and liver steatosis were evaluated. Oleic acid was predominant in the cashew nut oil‐added diet, linoleic acid in the soybean oil‐added diet, and palmitic acid in the lard‐added diet. Cashew nut oil reduced blood glucose, triglycerides, uric acid, and liver steatosis, and increased SOD expression and activity and catalase activity. Soybean oil reduced blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver steatosis. Both vegetable oils, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, demonstrated more benefits than animal fat. Cashew nut oil effects may be mediated by the reduction of hepatic fat accumulation and oxidative stress, leading to lower triglyceride levels, improved insulin signaling, and decreased uric acid, probably due to its fatty acid composition, rich in oleic acid. Phenolic compounds may enhance its antioxidant capacity. The quality of fatty acids and the bioactive compounds is a determinant of the metabolic effect of oils. Cashew nut oil may improve lipid metabolism, reduce liver steatosis, and enhance antioxidant effects.