Protein is an essential macronutrient, since it's responsible for the building and maintenance of lean muscle tissue as well as immune function. Protein powders are usually high in protein, with little carbohydrates and fat. Two of the main protein powders on the market are whey and soy. Research indicates that protein powder might boost heart health.
Blood Vessel Function
Researchers from the University of Connecticut investigated the impact of whey protein consumption on blood vessel function in healthy women and men. They reported in the July 2009 issue of the "Nutrition Journal," that subjects consuming 5 g of whey protein for two weeks experienced improvements in blood vessel function, and an increase in blood flow to forearm muscles. Improving blood vessel function can boost heart health by increasing nutrient rich blood to the heart.
Blood Pressure
Whey protein might reduce high blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Researchers from Washington State University randomly assigned prehypertensive and hypertensive young men and women 28 g of hydrolyzed whey protein, a form of whey protein that breaks down proteins into small fragments called peptides, or non-hydrolyzed whey protein. Scientists reported in the June 2010 issue of the "International Dairy Journal" that subjects consuming hydrolyzed whey protein experienced decreases in blood pressure compared to the non-hydrolyzed whey protein group.
Cholesterol
Scientists from Provident Clinical Research and Consulting Inc. studied the impact of soy protein on lipid levels in men and women with high cholesterol levels, a risk factor for heart disease. They assigned subjects 25 g of partially hydrolyzed soy protein or 25 g of total milk protein. At the end of the study, which was published in the November-December issue of the "Journal of Clinical Lipidology," researchers found that the soy protein group had greater decreases in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol compared to the total milk protein group.
Side Effects
Whey protein may cause nausea, bloating and upset stomach. In addition, individuals who are allergic or pregnant should avoid its use, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Consult your health-care provider before consuming whey supplements, especially if you are currently taking medications.
References
- "Nutrition Journal"; Acute Ingestion of a Novel Whey-Derived Peptide Improves Vascular Endothelial Responses in Healthy Individuals; K.D. Ballard et al.; July 2009
- "International Dairy Journal"; Whey Beverages Decrease Blood Pressure in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Young Men and Women; S.M. Fluegel et al.; January 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Lipidology"; Effects of Soy Protein on Lipoprotein Lipids and Fecal Bile Acid Excretion in Men and Women with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia; K.C. Maki et al.; December 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Whey Protein Safety
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