Adults who consume a high-protein diet may be at a significantly lower risk for developing high blood pressure (HBP), a new study has found.
The study by researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) found participants consuming the highest amount of protein (an average of 100 g protein/day) had a 40 per cent lower risk of having high blood pressure compared to the lowest intake level.
Because of the strain that it puts on blood vessel walls, HBP is one of the most common risk factors of stroke and an accelerator of multiple forms of heart disease, especially when paired with excess body weight.
The researchers analysed protein intakes of healthy participants and followed them for development of high blood pressure over an 11-year period.
They found that adults who consumed more protein, whether from animal or plant sources, had statistically significantly lower systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure levels after four years of follow-up.
In general, these beneficial effects were evident for both overweight and normal weight individuals.
They also found that consuming more dietary protein also was associated with lower long-term risks for HBP.
When the diet also was characterised by higher intakes of fibre, higher protein intakes led to 40-60 per cent reductions in risk of HBP.
"These results provide no evidence to suggest that individuals concerned about the development of HBP should avoid dietary protein. Rather, protein intake may play a role in the long-term prevention of HBP," said corresponding author Lynn Moore, associate professor of medicine at BUSM.
"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," she added.
The study was published in the American Journal of Hypertension.
