New York, Sep 12 (IANS): Adults who consume a high-protein diet may be at a lower risk for developing high blood pressure, research shows.

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) found that participants consuming highest amount of protein (an average of 100 gram protein/day) had a 40 percent lower risk of having high blood pressure compared to the lowest intake level.

“Protein intake may play a role in the long-term prevention of high blood pressure,” said Lynn Moore, an associate professor of medicine at BUSM.

During the study, researchers analysed protein intakes of healthy participants and followed them for development of high blood pressure over an 11-year period.

They found that adults who consumed more protein, whether from animal or plant sources, had statistically significantly lower systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure levels after four years of follow-up.

"We also found that consuming more dietary protein also was associated with lower long-term risks for high blood pressure,” Moore noted.

When the diet also was characterised by higher intakes of fibre, higher protein intakes led to 40-60 percent reductions in high blood pressure risk.

“The findings suggest that we need to revisit optimal protein intake for optimal heart health,” researchers concluded in the study reported in the American Journal of Hypertension.