Whey Protein Helps to Lower Blood Pressure

To reduce the risks of stroke and heart disease, some researchers are focusing on effective ways to safely lower elevated blood pressure in at-risk populations.  Beverages supplemented by whey-based protein can significantly reduce elevated blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Susan Fluegel, from Washington State University (Washington, USA), and colleagues reported that daily doses of commonly available whey yield a greater than six-point reduction in the average blood pressure of men and women with elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressures. As well, the whey-supplemented beverage also significantly decreased total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.  The team concludes that: “Whey protein beverages may be useful for the dietary treatment of prehypertension and/or stage 1 hypertension.”