The amelioration of plasma lipids by Korean traditional confectionery in middle-aged women: A cross-over study with western cookie.

Background/objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine whether plasma lipid profiles are affected differently by snack kinds with equal calorific values.

Subjects/methods: We compared a Korean traditional confectionery () with Western confectionery (cookie) in this regard. Controlled cross-over study consisted of two 3-week snack intake phases and for separating, a 2-week washout period (3-2-3) was carried out with 30 healthy women aged between 40-59 years old. Brown rice based Korean traditional confectionery and wheat flour based Western confectionery were used. The participants consumed either or cookie every day for 3 weeks, providing 93 kcal a day.

Results: The total cholesterol (TC) in the group had decreased significantly after 3 weeks ( < 0.05). Furthermore, in the group, reduction in TC and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were greater than those in the cookie group ( < 0.05).

Conclusions: Prioritizing functional snacks like improves plasma lipid profiles; this may be useful information for individuals who cannot refrain from snacking.