A Seed of Truth
Snacking on protein-rich sunflower seeds may help lower your blood pressure.
Recent research shows that a diet with ample amounts of vegetable protein, such as the protein found in sunflower seeds, may help keep blood pressure down. A diet high in animal protein offered no such benefit in the study. Stock up on sunflower seeds, cashews, and kidney beans to get your fill of blood pressure-lowering veggie protein.
Increasing your intake of fresh vegetables provides you with fiber and disease-fighting nutrients. Vegetable-rich diets may help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Results of a new study suggest eating a diet high in vegetable protein may help lower blood pressure, though it's not known how vegetable protein creates this effect. The unique protein composition or mineral content of vegetables may play a role. Exercising regularly, reducing stress, and limiting salt intake if you are salt sensitive will help you get a handle on your blood pressure as well.
RealAge Benefit:
Keeping your blood pressure at 115/76 mm Hg can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger.RealAge Smart Search: Find more research on the importance of protein and vegetables in your diet with our personalized health search.
Association between protein intake and blood pressure: the INTERMAP Study. Elliott, P., Stamler, J., Dyer, A. R., Appel, L., Dennis, B., Kesteloot, H., Ueshima, H., Okayama, A., Chan, Q., Garside, D. B., Zhou, B., Archives of Internal Medicine 2006 Jan 9;166(1):79-87.
