foodconsumer.org: Garden pea lowers blood pressure

Garden pea lowers blood pressure
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admin on 04/18/2009 03:44:00
 
A new Canadian study shows that proteins in peas (the simple, yellow garden
variety) fight high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. Patients with CKD
are at risk of cardiovascular issues associated with kidney failure. The results
of the study, which were presented at the American Chemical Society’s 237th
National Meeting (March 22, 2009) by Dr. Rotimi Aluko of the University of
Manitoba, indicate that a certain protein extract from the pea packs a powerful
punch to high blood pressure and CKD.
Why are these results relevant? High blood pressure and the associated risk for
chronic kidney disease are increasing at alarming rates in the United States.
According to Science Daily, estimates state that approximately 13% of the
American population suffers from CKD (which is up from 10% in the 1990s).
Researchers have been scrambling to find ways to slow down CKD before it gets to
the final stages, requiring dialysis and transplantation.
The protein extract (pea protein hydrosolate) from the pea was activated by
enzymes (a purification process), then given to laboratory rats with severe
kidney disease. After 8 weeks, the rats showed a 20% drop in blood pressure and
were able to produce 30% more urine, bringing their urine levels up to normal.
This is critical, as restricted urine is what disallows a CKD sufferer to
properly eliminate toxins from the body.
The next step is to test the extract on humans during the next year; researchers
plan to test patients with mild hypertension at the Richardson Centre for
Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Manitoba. In so doing, they hope to
uncover exactly how the extract works on human subjects.
There is one caveat, however, and that is that simply eating peas themselves
does not offer the protection that consuming the extract does. Isn’t an
extract the same as eating the “real thing”? Not in this instance. Dr. Aluka
emphasizes that the pea must be “purified” before it releases the right kind
of protein. Before the study, the researchers exposed the peas to an enzymatic
purifier, so to speak.
Dr. Aluka asserts that if the upcoming experiment with humans is as positive as
expected, we should be seeing manufacturers jumping at the chance to bottle the
extract for the consumer.
(By Rachel Stockton, and edited by Heather Kelley)