High blood pressure: a protein diet reduces the risk of hypertension by 66%

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Too strong pressure on the walls of the arteries is a sure way to trouble, but a diet rich in protein can help.

Protein – a macronutrient – is necessary for growth, repair and maintenance of the body.

Animal protein contains a full spectrum amino acids necessary for human nutrition. Meanwhile, most plant foods do not contain all the essential amino acids in “significant” amounts.

A study found that those who consumed a wider range of proteins had lower blood pressure.

< p>Researchers analyzed the diet of 12,177 adults who developed hypertension for the first time. The information was cross-referenced with three consecutive 24-hour dietary responses along with an inventory of household goods.

Protein sources included:

• Poultry
• Fish
• Eggs
• Red meat
• Processed red meat
• Whole grains
• Refined grains< /li>
• Beans

Participants were followed for about six years.

Data from the China Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed , that those who ate four or more protein-rich foods were 66 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure later in the study.