Whey Protein May Lower High Blood Pressure In Less Than A Minute!

A study just published in the International Dairy Journal suggests whey protein beverages are effective at reducing blood pressure in people at risk for hypertension.
According to researchers:

“We found that whey protein beverages lowered BP only in individuals with previously high BP, but not in those with normal blood pressure …
These findings suggest that whey protein beverages had a normalizing effect on elevated BP and did not cause hypotension. This is important since hypotension can be a health concern in certain population groups,  such as young women and the elderly.”

The beneficial effects of whey protein may be related to its influence on nitric oxide production, which plays a role in blood pressure regulation.

Sources:

  NUTRAingredients.com September 6, 2010

  International Dairy Journal November 2010, Volume 20, Pages 753-760

Whey Protein is Beneficial for Your Heart and Blood Pressure

This latest study revealed that whey protein has a normalizing effect on blood pressure levels, reducing levels significantly in those at risk of hypertension. This may be due to whey’s impact on nitric oxide production, as nitric oxide helps your vessels maintain their elasticity and its suppression leads to increases in blood pressure.
This benefit extends not only to those with, or at risk of, high blood pressure; it’s important to maintain healthy blood pressure levels too.
One recent study found, for instance, that supplementation with the whey-derived peptide NOP-47 had a positive impact on vascular function in healthy people. Blood flow in the arm improved by 2.7 percent per minute following whey protein supplementation, but did not change for those in the control group who took a placebo.
So in choosing a protein powder as a meal replacement, protein source or exercise recovery drink, you’ll support healthy blood pressure levels just by choosing whey.

What Else Can Whey do for You?

There are numerous reasons to choose whey over other protein powders, even beyond its influence on your blood pressure. For instance, whey protein may:

• Help your pancreas-produced insulin work more effectively, which helps maintain your blood sugar level after a meal
• Promote healthy insulin secretion
• Help to promote your optimal intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals needed for your overall wellness
• Support your immune system, as it contains immunoglobulins
• Help you preserve lean body tissue (particularly during exercise) as it delivers bioavailable amino acids and cysteine

Whey proteins are complex in and of themselves and each can provide you with even more distinct benefits, such as:

• Beta-Lactoglobulin -- may help your body better react to foods
• Alpha-Lactalbumin -- supports your immune system and may improve morning alertness
• Glycomacropeptide -- provides support against occasional digestive discomfort and stress
• Lactoferrin -- helps regulate your intestinal iron absorption and promotes healthy cell growth
• Immunoglobulins -- promotes your immune system and helps support your body's natural detoxification processes
• Bovine Serum Albumin -- provides a source of essential amino acids
• Lactoperoxidase --provides protective benefits for your system
• Natural Growth Factors in Whey -- aids your system in cell rejuvenation, muscle recovery after exercise, and energy function

Whey protein can also help optimize your production of glutathione, which is considered by many to be your body’s most powerful antioxidant.
Glutathione has the unique ability of maximizing the activity of all other antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, and the fresh veggies and fruits you eat. It also removes toxins from your cells and protects you from the damaging effects of radiation, chemicals, and environmental pollutants.
The optimal food source for maximizing your glutathione production is high-quality grass-fed whey protein.