Effect of Hydrogenated Palm Oil and Milk Ghee on Plasma Lipids and White Adipose Tissues in Rats

Background: The type of dietary fat may affect blood lipids and/or contribute to obesity, which can lead to various diseases. Elevated levels of triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-Cs), total cholesterol (TC), or a combination of all three are known as hyperlipidemia. This study examined the effects of milk ghee (MG) and hydrogenated palm oil (HPO) on plasma lipids and white adipose tissue, considered as indicators of obesity in rats. Methods: Two groups of albino rats were fed diets containing different types of fat for eight weeks, with each group containing six male rats. Results: Rats fed HPO had substantially higher levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL-Cs) than rats fed MG (56.33 and 51.66 mg/dL). The MG group had significantly high levels of TC, LDL-C, and TG (86.4, 34.73, and 56.20 mg/dL), and the HPO group had levels equal to 81.14, 24.80, and 47.13 mg/dL. White adipose tissue weight was significantly lower in rats fed HPO than in the MG group, and had smaller adipose cells. Conclusion: The intake of HPO could improve plasma lipids and obesity better than milk ghee.