Vegetable Protein Linked to Lower Blood Pressure

http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20060111/hl_hsn/vegetableproteinlinkedtolowerbloodpressure

TUESDAY, Jan. 10 (HealthDay News) -- People who have a higher intake
of protein from vegetables tend to have lower blood pressure.

That finding comes from a British study published in the Jan. 9 issue
of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Imperial College London researchers collected blood pressure data
from 4,680 people, aged 40 to 59, from four countries over a period
of three to six weeks. Information about the study participants'
eating and drinking habits was also collected, along with urine
samples.

The study found that people who ate more vegetable protein were more
likely to have lower blood pressure than those who ate less vegetable
protein. In contrast to previous research, this study found no link
between total protein intake and blood pressure.

While they aren't certain exactly how vegetable proteins might
influence blood pressure, the researchers said amino acids (contained
in protein) may play a role and that other components of vegetables,
such as magnesium, may also interact with amino acids to lower blood
pressure.

"Our results are consistent with current recommendations that a diet
high in vegetable products be part of a healthy lifestyle for
prevention of high blood pressure and related chronic diseases," the
study authors wrote.

"Definitive ascertainment of a causal relationship between vegetable
protein intake and blood pressure awaits further data from randomized
controlled trials, especially regarding the effect of constituent
amino acids on blood pressure," they noted.