High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of stroke and heart disease. Many doctors prescribe medicine to help patients lower their blood pressure, but there are natural means, as well. According to a study by biochemist Susan Fluegel, whey protein lowered blood pressure by an average of 6 percent in men and women who had elevated systolic and diastolic levels. Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard is one of the leading protein powders on the market. Adding Optimum Nutrition protein powder as part of a healthy diet may help to reduce your blood pressure.
Whey Concentrate vs. Whey Isolate
Optimum Nutrition's whey protein powder is a whey isolate. Whey isolate is the purest form of whey protein. It contains approximately 90 percent protein, which is why it's generally more expensive. Whey concentrate is the less expensive alternative. It is a more processed version of whey protein, consisting of approximately 70 percent protein. Whey isolate also has a higher bioavailability than concentrate, meaning it is absorbed by your body more efficiently.
High Blood Pressure Risks
There are many serious risks associated with high blood pressure. Blood pressure is a measurement of force being exerted outward on the walls of your arteries. The higher the force, or blood pressure, the harder your circulatory system has to work to pump blood through your body. High blood pressure also increases your risk of blood clots and plaque buildup in your arteries, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.
Supplementing Your Diet with Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein Powder
You don't have to be an athlete to take protein powder. One serving of Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Gold Standard contains 24 g of protein; athletes are recommended to consume 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. You can safely add whey protein to your diet by mixing one scoop of Optimum Nutrition protein powder to your oatmeal, cereal, or you can blend it with your favorite beverage or water.
The Protein Shake Diet
A popular type of fad diet is the "protein shake diet." Its premise is that you only consume protein shakes to lose weight. Since protein shakes are filling and contain typically no more than 100 to 200 calories, the diet works in theory. However, this is not a healthy way to lose weight. Protein is not stored in the body; it is only used as needed. So when you consume more protein than you need, the excess is expelled as waste. This puts necessary strain on your liver. In addition, even if you consumed five Optimum Nutrition shakes a day -- assuming you only mixed the powder with water -- you would only consume 600 calories a day, which is far too little to maintain your health.
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