Define Reduction of blood lipids?
This effect have been especially observed with saponins. Diets containing saponin-rich foods (300-500 mg saponins/day) e.g. soya, alfalfa, chickpea, bean meal reduced plasma cholesterol by 16-24%. However, other substances in these foods like phytosterols, isoflavones, protein and fibre may also have contributed. Cholesterol reduction may be due to saponin binding dietary cholesterol thus preventing its absorption and/or binding with bile acids and increasing their faecal excretion.