Effect of different herbs and spices on cholesterol lowering in broiler: An overview

Kumari, Punita, Chandramoni, Singh, P.K. and Singh, A.K. 2020. Effect of different herbs and spices on cholesterol lowering in broiler: An overview. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 55(2): 91–97.

Cholesterol, a steroid lipid is an integral part of cell membrane and being synthesized regularly in all parts of body and is necessary for proper functioning of all the cells. A high risk of heart ailment and stroke is always associated with the high level of intake of cholesterol. While body makes some cholesterol on its own, it can also be contributed in the system from certain food sources, such as eggs, dairy products, meat or other saturated fat sources. Cholesterol is required to produce hormones, bile acid and vitamin D, but high inclusion of cholesterol in the system can clog arteries, leading to the development of heart problems. Animal protein source are mainly rich in cholesterol and poultry meat is one of the main meat products consumed by humans. Though poultry meat is known as white meat, but its cholesterol content has become a primary area of consumer concern due to increased awareness of link between higher dietary saturated fat/cholesterol intake and incidences of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This article reviews various herbs/spices such as sugar beet meal, neem leaf meal, linseed meal, and coriander seed meal which are reported to be significantly associated with cholesterol lowering effect.