Studies have shown that the consumption of a diet containing whole grains may improve metabolic homeostasis and is related to the reduction of risk factors for the development of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. We aimed to investigate the effects of Triticum aestivum and Triticum turgidum on the metabolic profile of Wistar rats. Animals were divided into G1 (control group), G2 (T. turgidum), and G3 (T. aestivum). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were evaluated after 45 days of treatment with both types of wheat. Our results showed that the use of the common or green wheat improved body weight percentage, visceral fat, glycemia, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and atherogenic indices such as atherogenic index, CCR1, and CCR2. Furthermore, wheat may also improve high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The health-promoting properties of wheat occur probably due to the content of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and fibers. We suggest that the intake of T. aestivum and T. turgidum may be helpful in the prevention or treatment of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Keywords: Triticum aestivum; Triticum turgidum; body weight; glycemia; lipids; wheat.