New research sponsored by Canadian government agencies seems to indicate that a specific protein found in common yellow peas has the potential to lower blood pressure and improve kidney function in rats.

Over a period of eight weeks rats with kidney disease were fed a special mixture of purified yellow pea proteins called “pea protein hydrolysate”. By the end of the study, the rats blood pressure dropped and their urine production, a measure of kidney function, improved. A trial involving humans is now underway.

Researchers note that the pea protein goes through a specific purification process to activate the otherwise dormant benefits. They also hypothesize that the pea protein acts much like an ACE inhibitor and may become a natural alternative to lowering blood pressure.

For more information please visit “Protein From Yellow Peas May Lower Blood Pressure” By Alan Mozes
HealthDay Reporter. March 22, 2009. Can be viewed online at http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/03/22/protein-from-yellow-peas-may-lower-blood-pressure.html.