Researchers tested whether a special porridge made from chickpeas and flaxseeds could help lower high cholesterol levels. They fed rats a high-fat diet to give them high cholesterol, then gave some rats the new porridge for 23 days. The results were promising: rats eating the porridge showed significant improvements in their cholesterol levels and liver health. The best results came from a balanced mix of equal parts chickpeas and flaxseeds. While this is early research done in rats, it suggests these common foods might help people manage high cholesterol naturally.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a homemade porridge made from chickpeas and flaxseeds could help reduce high cholesterol and improve liver health
  • Who participated: 20 male rats divided into 5 groups: one normal group, one with high cholesterol (untreated), and three groups with high cholesterol that received different porridge recipes
  • Key finding: Rats that ate the chickpea and flaxseed porridge showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels and liver function. The best results came from a 1:1 ratio of chickpeas to flaxseeds, which also improved kidney and heart tissue health
  • What it means for you: This early-stage research suggests chickpeas and flaxseeds may help manage high cholesterol naturally. However, this was tested in rats, not humans yet, so we can’t say for certain it will work the same way in people. Talk to your doctor before making major dietary changes

The Research Details

Scientists conducted a 45-day experiment with 20 rats to test whether chickpea and flaxseed porridge could lower high cholesterol. First, they fed all the rats a high-fat diet for 22 days to give them high cholesterol (similar to the condition in some people). Then they divided the rats into groups: one group stayed as a normal control, one group had high cholesterol but no treatment, and three groups with high cholesterol received different versions of the porridge with different ratios of chickpeas to flaxseeds.

Each rat ate 12 grams of the special porridge mixed with 18 grams of regular food daily for 23 days. The researchers measured cholesterol levels, liver function, and kidney function before and after the treatment. They also examined the liver, kidney, and heart tissues under a microscope to see if the porridge improved their structure and health.

This research approach is important because it tests whether natural foods can help with high cholesterol before trying them in humans. By using different ratios of chickpeas and flaxseeds, the researchers could figure out which combination works best. Examining the actual tissues helps confirm that improvements in blood tests actually translate to real healing in the body

This is a controlled laboratory study, which is good for testing basic ideas. However, the sample size is small (only 20 rats), and it was done in animals, not people. The results are promising but need to be confirmed in human studies before we can be confident they’ll work the same way in people. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other scientists reviewed it for quality

What the Results Show

The porridge made from chickpeas and flaxseeds significantly improved cholesterol levels in rats with high cholesterol. All three porridge recipes helped, but the balanced recipe (equal parts chickpeas and flaxseeds) worked best. This balanced recipe also improved liver function markers, which are important for overall health.

When researchers looked at the actual tissues under a microscope, they found that the porridge helped repair damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart caused by the high-fat diet. The balanced recipe showed the greatest improvement in tissue health. This is important because it shows the improvements weren’t just in blood tests—the actual organs were getting healthier too.

The porridge also helped reduce urea levels in the blood, which is a sign of better kidney function. This suggests the porridge may protect kidney health, not just cholesterol levels.

The study found that liver function improved significantly in all treatment groups, with the balanced porridge recipe showing the most improvement. Kidney tissue also showed signs of healing and better function. Heart tissue, which can be damaged by high cholesterol, also showed improvement in the treated groups. These secondary findings suggest the porridge may have broader health benefits beyond just lowering cholesterol

Previous research has shown that both chickpeas and flaxseeds individually have cholesterol-lowering properties. This study is novel because it combines them and tests different ratios to find the best combination. The finding that a balanced 1:1 ratio works best is new and suggests these foods may work better together than separately. The improvements in liver and kidney function align with what other studies have found about these foods’ health benefits

This study was conducted in rats, not humans, so we can’t be certain the results will be the same in people. The sample size was small (only 20 rats total), which limits how confident we can be in the findings. The study lasted only 23 days of treatment, so we don’t know if the benefits continue long-term or if they fade over time. The study didn’t test different doses or durations, so we don’t know the optimal amount to eat or how long treatment should last. Finally, the study didn’t compare the porridge to other cholesterol-lowering treatments, so we don’t know how it compares to medications or other dietary approaches

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, chickpeas and flaxseeds appear to have cholesterol-lowering potential, with moderate confidence. A balanced combination of both foods may be most beneficial. However, this is early-stage research in animals. If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor before relying on this as a treatment. It may be a helpful addition to a healthy diet, but shouldn’t replace prescribed medications without medical guidance. Confidence level: Low to Moderate (animal study only)

People with high cholesterol or those at risk for heart disease may find this research interesting. However, this is preliminary research, so it’s most relevant for people looking to add cholesterol-friendly foods to their diet as part of a broader healthy eating plan. People taking cholesterol medications should not stop or change their treatment based on this study alone. Anyone with kidney or liver disease should consult their doctor before making dietary changes

In the rat study, improvements appeared after 23 days of eating the porridge. In humans, dietary changes typically take 2-4 weeks to show effects on cholesterol levels, though some people may see changes faster or slower. Long-term benefits would require eating these foods regularly over months and years. Don’t expect overnight results—consistent eating habits matter more than short-term changes

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of chickpeas and flaxseeds consumed (aim for 1-2 servings daily), and log any cholesterol test results every 3 months to monitor changes over time
  • Add a chickpea and flaxseed porridge to your breakfast routine 3-5 times per week. Start with a simple recipe: cook chickpeas, mix with ground flaxseeds, oats, and your favorite milk. You can add honey, cinnamon, or berries for flavor
  • Use the app to track weekly porridge consumption, note any digestive changes or how you feel, and record cholesterol levels when you get blood work done. Compare results every 3 months to see if the pattern of eating this porridge correlates with improvements in your cholesterol numbers

This research was conducted in rats and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your healthcare provider. If you have high cholesterol or are taking cholesterol-lowering medications, consult your doctor before making significant dietary changes. While chickpeas and flaxseeds are generally safe foods, some people may have allergies or sensitivities. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.