Body weights
Body weights of different groups of rats in all studies are
shown in Figure 3 showing that more weight gain was
recorded in rats groups consuming control drink (T1)
than functional drinks (T2 and T3). The trend for body
weights showed differences in each trial e.g. higher body
weights were recorded in high cholesterol fed diets.
Moreover, body weights in all groups increased steadily
in the first 28 days (4 weeks) but last four weeks provided
insight about the differences in body weights. In
all the trials, body weight of rats in experimental groups
was less than placebo or control. The effects of catechins
based functional drinks were more pronounced in high
cholesterol diets, while EGCG based functional drink
performed better in high sucrose diet trial and high
cholesterol + high sucrose diet trial.