According to a study by Washington State University, beverages supplemented with whey-based proteins can significantly lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of strokes and heart disease. The study found that overweight and obese people in the group that consumed whey had significantly lower systolic blood pressure readings (systolic pressure is the highest number in the blood pressure reading). The two most popular protein supplements, whey protein and casein protein, are derived from milk. In addition, taking too much whey protein without exercising can cause liver inflammation and increase the risk of serious liver damage (.
In the study, 65 participants were randomly assigned to supplement their diet with 30 grams of whey protein or the same amount of maltodextrin (a carbohydrate) daily for 12 weeks. However, you should check the sodium content to make sure it's in line with your blood pressure goals, and you might want to keep in mind that whey protein can help maintain blood pressure. While this can be good news in most cases, people who are already taking medications for high blood pressure should be careful, as whey supplements can lower their blood pressure too much. Keep in mind that the effects of protein powder shakes may be due to other ingredients in the shake besides protein.
Whey protein can also interact with antiplatelet drugs and anticoagulants, which are chemicals that help prevent blood clots and prolong blood clotting time. And if you're already taking whey protein supplements, be sure to include more low-protein foods in your diet. You would be very wise not to consume whey protein if you are taking medications for osteoporosis XA, a form of arthritis in which the protective tissues that line bone joints gradually wear out and worsen over time. This is because whey protein is also known to increase testosterone levels, which produce a chemical called DHT in the bloodstream.
According to that study, replacing animal proteins with plant proteins can greatly reduce the risks of coronary heart disease.
