A whey-protein-rich ingredient may improve blood vessel function in healthy individuals, reports a new randomized, double-blind study.
Two weeks of supplementation resulted in a 1.5 percent improvement in blood flow. According to the researchers, the whey protein-derived ingredient may work via an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity.
ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor, angiotensin II, thereby improving blood flow and blood pressure.
The Many Health Benefits of Whey Protein
Whey protein, which is available as a protein powder supplement, has been linked to a variety of health benefits, such as:
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Helping your pancreas-produced insulin work more effectively, which helps maintain your blood sugar level after a meal
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Promoting healthy insulin secretion
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Helping to promote your optimal intake of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals needed for your overall wellness
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Supporting your immune system, as it contains immunoglobulins
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Helping you preserve lean body tissue (particularly during exercise) as it delivers bioavailable amino acids and cysteine
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Maintaining blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range
This latest study adds to the last benefit listed above, as it found that supplementation with the whey-derived peptide NOP-47 had a positive impact on vascular function in healthy people. Blood flow in the arm improved by 2.7 percent per minute following whey protein supplementation, but did not change for those in the control group who took a placebo.
