This study is being conducted at DHQ Hospital, Jhang, under the supervision of the University of Lahore. The purpose of the trial is to find out whether specially prepared cookies made with pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo L.) and walnuts (Juglans regia L.) can help improve cholesterol levels in patients with atherosclerosis.
High cholesterol is one of the major causes of heart disease and stroke. Although medicines are commonly prescribed, adding natural foods with proven health benefits may help patients manage cholesterol in a safer and more affordable way. Pumpkin seeds contain healthy fats, antioxidants, and phytosterols, while walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins. Together, they may improve heart health by lowering harmful cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
In this study, patients will be divided into two groups:
Treatment group: Will receive one 100 g cookie made with pumpkin seeds and walnuts every day, in addition to their usual care.
Control group: Will receive usual care without the supplemented cookies.
Blood samples will be taken at the start, at 3 weeks, and at 6 weeks to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL levels. Researchers will follow up with participants regularly to ensure safety and compliance.
The study will help determine whether these cookies can be recommended as a natural, food-based approach to reducing cholesterol and preventing complications of heart disease.
Inclusion Criteria:
Patients of both gender Patients with age 25-45 years will be included Having HDL value greater than ~60 mg/dL Having triglycerides value greater than150 mg/dL
Exclusion Criteria:
Pregnant and lactating patients will be excluded. Cancer patient will be excluded
this is an open level trial
Participants in this group will receive only conventional medical treatment as prescribed by their physician for hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. No additional dietary supplementation (cookies) will be provided. This group serves as the control for comparison with the intervention group.
Participants in this group will receive conventional medical treatment as prescribed by their physician along with dietary supplementation of 100 g pumpkin seed and walnut cookies once daily for 6 weeks. The cookies are prepared with whole wheat flour, roasted pumpkin seeds, roasted walnuts, sugar, butter, milk, and baking powder in standardized proportions. Blood lipid profile (HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol) will be assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks.
Lahore, Punjab Province 54000, Pakistan
Pumpkin Seeds or Oil Lower Serum Triglyceride Levels in Individuals With Hyperlipidaemia
Therapeutic Effects of Cinnamon-Enriched Cookies on Hypercholesterolemia and Liver Function
The Investigation of Effect on Blood Lipid Parameters With Walnut Addition of Diet
Impact of Golden Rice-Piper Crocatum Cookies on Lipid Control in Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Postprandial Effects of Walnut Components Versus Whole Walnuts on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Reduction
The Antihypercholestrolemic Effect of a Combined Nutritional Supplementation of Standardized Extracts of Amla, Walnut, Red Yeast Rice and Olive
The Healthy Cookie Study: Understanding How Healthy Cookies Affect Fat in the Blood,
Effect of Alpha Tocopherol and Psyllium on Lipid Levels in Dyslipidaemia Patients