VISUALLY APPARENT OAT-CONTAINING CHIPS PROVIDING HEALTH ADVANTAGES

摘要

Masa products, processes for preparing them and dietary regimens for reducing serum cholesterol employing them are described. A masa product, preferably a tortilla chip, comprises a cooked, sheeted dough comprising visually apparent oat groats. The oats are preferably visually identifiable on the surface of the chips and cover at least about 10% of the total exterior surface of the chip. The process for preparing the chips comprises forming a dough from water, masa and oat groats; forming the dough into sheeted preforms; baking the sheeted preforms; holding the preforms to equilibriate moisture; and frying the preforms. The packaged product of the invention comprises an air-tight package containing the tortilla chips. A dietary regimen comprises, at least 3 days out of 7, consuming a serving of the tortilla chips which were prepared in oil containing phytosterols.