Health updates: Blood pressure and longer life span

The following is new information regarding the effects of whey protein on blood pressure and life expectancy for Hispanics in the United States.

Blood pressure concerns? This popular drink helps in just one minute

A study just published in the International Dairy Journal suggests that whey protein beverages are effective at reducing blood pressure in people at risk for hypertension. According to researchers: “We found that whey protein beverages lowered blood pressure (BP) only in individuals with previously high BP, but not in those with normal blood pressure.

“These findings suggest that whey protein beverages had a normalizing effect on elevated BP and did not cause hypotension. This is important since hypotension can be a health concern in certain population groups, such as young women and the elderly.” The beneficial effects of whey protein may be related to its influence on nitric oxide production, which plays a role in blood pressure regulation. After careful review, it is very clear that whey is one of the highest quality protein powders. Whey, a byproduct of milk and cheese, has been recommended since ancient times — as early as 420 B.C. by Hippocrates — and its sterling reputation continues to be further proven to this day.

US Hispanics have longer life span

Hispanics in the U.S. live, on average, more than two years longer than whites and seven years longer than blacks. A recent government report contains the strongest evidence yet of what some call the “Hispanic paradox” — remarkable longevity in a population with many poor and undereducated members. One theory holds that Hispanics who immigrate to the U.S. tend to be among the healthiest from their countries.

According to the Chicago Tribune: “A Hispanic born in 2006 could expect to live about 80 years and seven months, the government estimates. Life expectancy for a white is about 78 and, for a black, just shy of 73 years.”

Sources: NUTRAingredients.com September 6, 2010, International Dairy Journal November 2010, Volume 20, Pages 753-760 and Chicago Tribune October 13, 2010 and www.mercola.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 29, Number 6, Dec 2010/Jan 2011.