Whey Protein Shows Significant Improvement on Blood Pressure

Whey protein may have an influence on lowering blood pressure, according to research published in the upcoming November issue of International Dairy Journal.

In a six-week controlled intervention, researchers at Washington State University tested the effects of daily consumption of 28 g of hydrolyzed or non-hydrolyzed whey protein beverages on young men and women.

Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were measured.

Comparing hydrolyzed to non-hydrolyzed whey, no differences on influencing the above measures were noted; but the influence of both wheys on blood pressure markers was often significant. In subjects with elevated SBP and DBP, whey significantly decreased these measures. In subjects with high SBP only, whey significantly decreased this measure. For subjects with healthy blood pressure levels, SBP, DBP, and MAP remained unchanged after baseline.

Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or 'bad' cholesterol) was also lowered in subjects after whey consumption.

The results of this intervention left researchers to conclude that 'Whey protein beverages may be useful for the dietary treatment of prehypertension and/or stage 1 hypertension.'

To read the study abstract, click here.