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Why a protein-rich diet could actually be bad for you

The key is having a balanced diet, says scientists

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By Mark Waghorn via SWNS

Protein-rich diets favored by celebrities could trigger high blood pressure, according to new research.

A study found those who ate moderate amounts of fish, eggs, chicken, beans and red meat slashed the risk by 66 percent.

But peers with the highest, or lowest, levels of consumption were most prone.

protein source- assortment of health food
Processed and unprocessed red meat, poultry, fish, eggs and legumes are all high in protein. (Chatham172/Shutterstock)

The key is having a balanced diet from a large number of sources, say scientists.

Lead author Dr. Xianhui Qin, of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China, said: "Nutrition may be an easily accessible and effective measure to fight against hypertension.

"Along with fat and carbohydrates, protein is one of the three basic macronutrients."

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Nearly 12,200 men and women in China were tracked for around six years.

They completed nutrition surveys and were given a protein 'variety score' based on eight types of food.

They included whole and refined grains, processed and unprocessed red meat, poultry, fish, egg and legumes.

One point was given for each - making eight the best total an individual could reach.

During the study period over a third (35%) of participants were diagnosed with new-onset hypertension.

Those with a score of 4 or more were 66 percent less prone than peers who achieved under 2.

For every type of protein, there was an optimum window of intake - described as the "appropriate level."

When total quantity was considered, the amount consumed was divided into five categories or 'quintiles'.

The study in the journal Hypertension found people who ate the least or most had the highest risk.

Fans of high protein diets include Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston and Adele.

Dr. Qin said: "The heart health message is that consuming a balanced diet with proteins from various different sources, rather than focusing on a single source of dietary protein, may help to prevent the development of high blood pressure."

It is estimated over nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension.

It is often dubbed the 'silent killer,' because there are no symptoms and can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

There is a strong association between poor diet quality and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

In its 2021 dietary guidance, the American Heart Association advises people to eat healthy sources of protein.

These include fruit, vegetables, seafood and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.

Meat should be lean cuts and unprocessed forms, or poultry. It recommends one to two servings, or 5.5 ounces, of protein daily.

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