Mice fed cholesterol-enriched diets containing rice protein as the protein source experienced significant reduction in hepatic secretion of triglycerides and cholesterol into circulation compared to a diet with casein for its protein. In other words, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood were reduced. Rice protein apparently depressed the activity of several enzymes involved in fatty acid production, and upregulated the enzymes for breaking down fatty acids. Consequently, the mice fed rice protein diet seemed to store less abdominal fat and had improved body weight than those fed casein.
Reference: Yang et al. Rice protein improves adiposity, body weight and reduces lipids level in rats through modification of triglyceride metabolism.
Lipids Health Dis. 2012. 11; 24.
