Hypertension (high blood pressure) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), a condition that currently affects over 80 million Americans and Canadians. High blood pressure is a serious condition and affects millions, even those that outwardly appear to be in excellent shape. It truly is the silent killer. In fact, most people only learn they have high blood pressure after they have experienced a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure.
Dietary modifications (the inclusion/exclusion of certain foods) show a significant impact in controlling blood pressure in many populations. Studies are beginning to stack up showing whey protein has a positive impact on lowering blood pressure. A report presented at the 11th International Congress on Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy revealed hydrolyzed whey isolate’s ability to reduce hypertension.
In this study, thirty non-smoking, borderline hypertensive men and women were randomized to consume a hydrolyzed whey protein isolate (20gms/day) or an unhydrolyzed whey protein isolate. All subjects were instructed to take their protein dose daily with water for six weeks and to maintain their normal lifestyle habits for the duration of the study. So the only variable was the addition of why isolate into their diet.
Results showed that a significant drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure occurred after one week of treatment with the hydrolyzed whey isolate. This benefit persisted throughout the study. Compared to the control, the hydrolyzed whey protein isolate reduced systolic blood pressure 11mmHg and diastolic blood pressure 7mmHg.
Another study conducted by the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the Washington State University showed that in young adults with elevated diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure, a single daily serving of whey protein significantly decreased systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure by 8.0, 8.6, and 6.4 mm Hg, respectively. In this study, whey protein also significantly decreased total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (P ≤ 0.001 and 0.05, respectively).
Other studies have found that blood-pressure reductions like those shown in these studies can reduce cardiovascular disease and bring a 35 to 40 percent reduction in fatal strokes.
Based on these findings it appears that supplementation with hydrolyzed whey protein isolates at just a single serving a day may have the capacity to prevent or reduce high blood pressure – not a bad health benefit for simply choosing to incorporate this protein into your diet.
Increase lean muscle mass, burn body fat, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure – quite a resume for this advanced protein supplement.
