Protein variety may play a key role in your blood pressure. Learn about high blood pressure and diet, how protein matters, and more.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant factor in developing cardiovascular disease and associated conditions like a heart attack. Since almost half of U.S. adults have hypertension, experts are looking for effective ways to reduce the risk of developing it.
A variety of factors can lead to the development of this condition, but lifestyle factors like your diet have a bigger impact than others. For this reason, there has been a growing interest in protein and how it may help prevent hypertension.
According to a study available in Hypertension, eating protein from multiple sources can help reduce the risk of hypertension. The study, led by Dr. Xianhui Qin, M.D., at the Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China, explored the association between new-onset hypertension and the variety and quantity of protein in a diet.
“This study adds to the evidence that eating a moderate amount of protein from a variety of foods is an important part of a healthy diet,” says Tracy Parker, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation. “Although this study was observational, it suggests that eating a selection of both plant- and animal-based proteins in your diet can help control your blood pressure and benefit your heart. Further research is now needed to help understand this, including in different population groups with different dietary intakes.”
Protein and Heart Health
According to the study results, participants with the greatest variety of protein in their diet had lower rates of new-onset hypertension. “We speculated that consuming greater variety of proteins in proper quantity could guarantee the intake of different essential amino acids, which may correlate with better nutritional status, microbiota richness, and diversity,” says Qin.
“The heart health message is that consuming a balanced diet with proteins from various, different sources, rather than focusing on a single source of dietary protein, may help prevent the development of high blood pressure.”
Parker also suggests that in addition to adding a variety of protein to your diet, you should focus on other lifestyle factors as well. “Lifestyle factors, such as exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, are also important ways to reduce your risk of heart and circulatory diseases.”
The Outlook
According to Qin, “randomized trials are needed to further examine the associations between the variety and quantity of protein intake from different food sources and the risks of hypertension and other health outcomes.”
Meanwhile, you should focus on eating heart-healthy foods, exercising regularly, and taking supplements like Heart Beet Complete. It contains ingredients that effectively promote circulation, blood pressure, energy levels, and more. If you’re ready to support your blood pressure health, then eat healthy foods and take HeartBeet Complete.
