High protein diet may lead to lower blood pressure

A high-protein diet, which is often the recommended eating plan for diabetics when combined with carbohydrate-cutting, could reduce risk for high blood pressure (HBP).

A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that participants who consumed about 100 grams of protein per day had a 40-percent lower risk of high blood pressure compared with subjects that ate the lowest amount of protein.

Long-term results seen

For the study, researchers tracked participants' blood pressure over an 11-year period in relationship to their protein intake.

Adults who consumed more protein, either from animal or plant sources, had significantly lower systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure after four years of follow-up tests.

The results were seen in both overweight and normal weight people.

Additionally, a higher protein diet combined with higher intake of fiber led to 40-60 percent reductions in high blood pressure risk.

"These results provide no evidence to suggest that individuals concerned about the development of HBP should avoid dietary protein," said co-author Lynn Moore, associate professor of medicine at Boston University Medical Center. "Rather, protein intake may play a role in the long-term prevention of HBP. This growing body of research on the vascular benefits of protein, including this study, suggest we need to revisit optimal protein intake for optimal heart health."

Source: Boston University Medical Center