Good News for High Blood Pressure Sufferers
High Blood Pressure and Whey Proteins
A recent study shows hope that a specific whey protein can help lower blood pressure in individuals suffering from high blood pressure. Researchers at the University of Minnesota looked at how a 20-gram supplement containing whey protein affected the blood pressure of research participants. The study compared a beneficial modified whey protein and an unmodified whey protein. The results of the study may just surprise you.
Let's Hear It For Protein!
Caseins and whey proteins have both been used in animal studies and have been shown to reduce blood pressure. Now, human blood pressure has been shown to be positively affected by whey proteins as well. High blood pressure can be tricky to treat in some individuals, and the above study has the potential for being beneficial to a large number of high blood pressure sufferers.
It is believed that some of the proteins that whey contains are also similar to angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitory peptides. ACE inhibitors are currently one of the main categories of medications used to treat high blood pressure. The similarity certain whey proteins have to ACE inhibitors partly explains the study’s results.
The Results Are In
Participants who took the modified whey protein were shown to have a drop in blood pressure during the six-week study and four-week follow-up. The control group who received an unmodified whey protein did not experience a drop in blood pressure. The study’s results can prove to be important for individuals suffering from high blood pressure.
It's Great News
The above study is good news for high blood pressure sufferers because it gives scientists another area of research to explore to help individuals with high blood pressure. It would be great to be able to take a medication, such as one made from a modified whey protein, that doesn’t have as many side effects as some currently available medications. Until such a medication is available, individuals with high blood pressure should continue to follow their doctor’s recommendations and do all they can to control their blood pressure.