Although our data are compatible with the thesis
advanced in this study, they do not conclusively prove that
WBM may exert antidiabetic and antihypercholesterolemic
effects in a dietary setting where, for example, ABP is incorporated into a diet given ad libitum to rats. Corroboration
of our data will be necessary and multiple additional
studies need to be performed using animals other than rats
that may not have features of cholesterol and glucose
metabolism similar to those of humans in response to dietary
fat manipulations and diabetes. The absence of an appropriate
“placebo” group and the use of a single dosage form of
ABP may introduce a possible bias and a type 1 error.
Furthermore, the mechanism(s) of action by which ABP
modulates glucose and cholesterol metabolism was not
addressed. Although soluble dietary fiber is the most likely
candidate, other constituents, such as antioxidants (polyphenols,
vitamin C, and ergothioneine), proteins, and
polysaccharides may play an important role. Further research
is necessary to investigate the effects of these constituents.
Nonetheless, despite the limitations, our study indicated that
WBM could potentially be a health beneficial food for
diabetic and hypercholesterolemic individuals.