Protein helps against hypertension

Study: Protein for hypertension helps

04/10/2013

Eggs have long been vilified as unhealthy food, especially as a supposed cholesterol bomb. However, a new study that sees protein as an effective adjunct to antihypertensive medicines is likely to improve its image.

Protein component as effective as drugs
At a meeting of the American Chemical Society in New Orleans, researchers now announced their new evidence for the beneficial effects of protein on hypertension. According to the results of the laboratory tests, a substance contained in the egg white lowers the blood pressure almost as well as a low dose of the blood pressure medication captopril. This drug, a so-called ACE inhibitor, is used in cardiovascular diseases. For the study "the protein building block peptide RVPSL" was examined. Already in earlier investigations, scientists had discovered its effect, which similar to drugs, the effect of a specific enzyme (ACE) blocks, which increases the blood pressure. Protein, according to study director Yu Zhipeng, "may be a useful adjunct to hypertension drugs in the future because of its special effects".

Eggs better than their reputation
The results of the studies may also contribute to a better reputation of eggs as part of the diet. So far, eggs have been largely avoided because of cholesterol, but in recent years studies have revealed other findings. For example, the American Chemical Society said that many people do not increase blood cholesterol levels.

Dangerous high blood pressure
People who already have high blood pressure in their family have an increased risk of getting it too. Other risk groups are overweight, smokers and diabetics. Especially these people are advised to regularly measure their blood pressure. Values ​​from 120 to 80 are considered normal, and permanent measurements over 140 to 90 are hypertension. Without treatment, serious illnesses can occur: the blood circulation in the legs and the vision could be disturbed and in the worst case threaten stroke or heart attack. Experts warn that the kidneys, like almost all organs, could be affected.

Healthier life
It is important, if you have determined that the blood pressure is too high, that the lifestyle is adjusted accordingly. Giving up smoking or at least limiting it, avoiding alcohol and salt as much as possible and moving regularly and perseveringly are extremely important. You can also reduce your blood pressure by losing weight, and it can also help protein, as scientists of the University of Copenhagen have found in the context of the most extensive diet study so far. It is also important to carry out a drug check. You may be taking medicines that can raise your blood pressure. (Ad)

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Picture: Marianne J.