High-Protein Diet Linked to Lower Blood Pressure

According to a new study, having high amounts of protein in your diet can lead to more than just trimming your waistline. Led by Justin Buendia, the researchers found that a protein-rich diet can lower the risk of high blood pressure. The Boston University study was published in the American Journal of Hypertension.

High-Protein Diet Linked to Lower Blood Pressure, Study Suggests

For this study, the research group gathered blood pressure data from over 1,300 people and followed them for about 11 years. Those who consumed around 102 grams of protein per day were consistent in having the lowest blood pressure levels. In addition, the high-protein group had a decreased risk of developing hypertension, about 40 percent lower than those who consumed around 58 grams of protein per day.

It doesn’t matter if the study participant was a gym rat or an overweight individual; higher amounts of protein still contributed to achieving a better blood pressure state.

Mr. Buendia conjectured, however, that it could be that people who ate more protein are just into healthier diets.

“With higher protein consumption, you may eat less of other high-calorie foods. You may feel full sooner, and that would lead to lower weight, which would lead to beneficial metabolic outcomes, such as lower blood pressure,” he explained.

Protein has the power to tame blood pressure with its amino acid content. This nutrient can dilate the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure in effect.

The study is not suggesting to eliminate grains and fiber in your diet. Fiber can enhance the benefits of protein in lowering blood pressure levels. It can also decrease the risk of insulin resistance.

So what’s the best source for protein? A healthy mix of plant- and animal-based protein will do the trick; nuts and beans for plant protein while cheese, milk, meat and seafood for animal protein.