A Little Lean Beef may Lower your Blood Pressure

Previous studies have linked certain types of red meat, including beef and pork, to increased risk of cardiovascular issues, weight gain and even breast cancer. Yet a recent study conducted by researchers at Penn State University found that cuts of lean beef as part of a healthy diet can help to lower blood pressure and boost heart health.

"This research adds to the significant evidence, including work previously done in our lab, that supports lean beef's role in a heart-healthy diet," said Penny M. Kris-Etherton, Distinguished Professor of Nutrition at Penn State University, via Medical Xpress. "This study shows that nutrient-rich lean beef can be included as part of a heart-healthy diet that reduces blood pressure, which can help lower the risk for cardiovascular disease."

For the study, researchers examined the heart health benefits of eating four different kinds of diets with 36 volunteers between the ages of 30 and 65. The diet plans included the following regimens: the Healthy American Diet, the BOLD+ diet, the BOLD diet and the DASH diet, which consisted of 0.7 ounces, 5.4 ounces, 4.0 ounces and 1.0 ounce of lean beef per day respectively.

The Healthy American Diet worked as a control group, while the BOLD+ and DASH diet were similar choices.

Throughout the five-week study period, all five of the participants followed each diet plan, with a one-week break in-between each diet.

Researchers measured participants' blood pressure at the start and at the end of each diet. They discovered that the BOLD+ diet, which consists of the highest amount of lean protein, was the most effective for reducing blood pressure.

"This evidence suggests that it is the total protein intake-not the type of protein-that is instrumental in reducing blood pressure, as part of a DASH-like dietary pattern," the researchers stated.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Journal of Human Hypertension.