Can Cooked Egg Protein Help to Lower Blood Pressure?

There may be one more reason to call it the "incredible, edible egg". Although eggs have been given a bad rap in the past for being high in cholesterol, a new study suggests that cooked egg protein may play a positive role in the prevention of heart disease by helping to moderate blood pressure. Can enjoying that scrambled egg in the morning really help you reduce blood pressure?

According to this study which was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, eating cooked egg protein seems to generate strong peptides known as ACE inhibitory peptides that are similar to those found in the class of anti-hypertensive medications known as ACE inhibitors. It appears that the conversion of cooked egg proteins to ACE inhibitory peptides occurs with the help of intestinal enzymes found in the gut. Once formed, the ACE inhibitory peptides can enter the bloodstream and exert their blood pressure lowering effects.

Does it matter how the cooked egg protein is prepared? According to this study, fried egg protein showed greater ability to reduce blood pressure than did boiled eggs. Although the researchers used a specially constructed model to demonstrate the effects of cooked egg protein, they believe the results will be replicated in humans, although further testing will be needed before assuming that egg protein can actually help you reduce blood pressure. The researchers believe that cooked egg protein can be easily absorbed by the body, allowing it to exert its effects on blood pressure.

Although eggs have once again started to appear on lists of healthy foods, if this study holds true, it may be added to the roster of foods that reduce blood pressure naturally. Cooked egg protein has other benefits including being low in calories, at around eighty calories each, and promoting a sense of satiety. Eggs are often considered to be the perfect food for dieters. They're rich in vitamins, including the important B vitamins, as well as vitamins A and D. They're also high in lutein and zeaxanthin which help to ward off macular degeneration of the eyes.

While you may not want to devour the entire carton particularly if you're prone to an elevated cholesterol level, an egg or two a day may have a variety of healthful effects, including helping you reduce blood pressure. It's unclear from this study how much cooked egg protein is needed to help moderate blood pressure, but, hopefully, further studies will answer this question.