Garden peas ‘could help fight high blood pressure’
Proteins found in common garden peas could help in the fight against high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease, according to a new study.
Researchers observed a 20 per cent reduction in blood pressure in rats with polycystic kidney disease that were fed with the protein extracted from yellow garden peas.
"In people with high blood pressure, our protein could potentially delay or prevent the onset of kidney damage," says study presenter Dr Rotimi Aluko, a food chemist at the University of Manitoba in Canada.
High blood pressure is also a major risk factor for other conditions such as heart attack or stroke.
More effective control of hypertension could help people seeking to obtain high blood pressure life insurance.
Scientists do not know exactly how the protein works, but it is thought to boost production of another protein that increases kidney function.
The team plan to test the pea extract in humans with mild hypertension within the next year at the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with hypertension.
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