Hemp Protein vs Casein: Lowers Blood Pressure?

Hemp Protein vs Casein: Lowers Blood Pressure?

Quick Summary: A clinical trial tested if hemp seed protein and its enhanced version could help lower blood pressure in people with mild hypertension better than casein protein, a common dairy-based supplement. Both hemp options reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure over 24 hours compared to casein, with the enhanced hemp version showing stronger effects. This suggests hemp protein might be a natural way to manage high blood pressure through diet.

What The Research Found

This study compared hemp seed protein (HSP) and a version with added bioactive peptides (HSP+) to casein protein. The goal was to see their impact on blood pressure and related body markers in people with mild high blood pressure.

Key results include:
- Blood Pressure Reductions: After taking HSP+ daily, 24-hour systolic blood pressure (the top number) dropped from 135.1 mmHg to 128.1 mmHg—a 7 mmHg decrease. Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) fell from 80.0 mmHg to 76.0 mmHg—a 4 mmHg drop. Both changes were highly significant (P < 0.0001).
- Hemp Protein Alone: Plain HSP lowered systolic pressure to 133.5 mmHg (1.6 mmHg drop) and diastolic to 78.9 mmHg (1.1 mmHg drop), also significant compared to casein.
- Body Markers: Both hemp treatments reduced levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and renin—enzymes that can raise blood pressure. They also boosted nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that helps blood vessels relax and widen. No big differences appeared between plain HSP and HSP+ for these markers, but both beat casein.

In simple terms, hemp protein acted like a natural blood pressure helper by tweaking these body signals, unlike the casein control.

Study Details

• Who was studied: 35 adults with mild hypertension—systolic blood pressure between 130 and 160 mmHg, and diastolic up to 110 mmHg. These were everyday people, not severe cases.
• How long: Each treatment lasted 6 weeks, with three rounds total in a crossover setup (everyone tried all options). There was a 2-week break between each to clear out effects.
• What they took: Participants got 50 grams of casein protein per day as the baseline. For hemp, it was 50 grams of HSP daily, or 45 grams HSP plus 5 grams of HSP-derived bioactive peptides (HSP+). All were given as daily supplements in a blinded way—no one knew what they were taking.

The trial was double-blind and randomized, meaning assignments were random and neither participants nor researchers knew the treatments to avoid bias. Results were analyzed with standard stats for repeated measures.

What This Means For You

If you have mild high blood pressure, this study points to hemp protein as a potential dietary add-on to help manage it naturally. Unlike casein, which didn't lower pressure here, 50 grams of hemp protein daily could reduce your readings by a few points—enough to make a difference over time, similar to some lifestyle changes or meds.

• Practical Tips: Start with hemp protein powder in smoothies or shakes to hit that 50-gram dose (about 1-2 scoops, check labels). The enhanced version (HSP+) worked best for bigger drops, but plain hemp still helped without extras.
• Why It Matters: High blood pressure raises heart disease risk. Adding hemp might support your heart health alongside diet, exercise, and doctor advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting supplements, especially if on blood pressure meds, to avoid interactions.
• Everyday Benefit: Hemp is plant-based, so it's great for vegans or those avoiding dairy like casein. It could fit into a heart-healthy eating plan without big changes.

Study Limitations

No study is perfect—here's what to keep in mind:
- Small Group: Only 35 people, so results might not apply to everyone. Larger studies are needed for broader proof.
- Short Timeframe: 6 weeks shows short-term effects, but we don't know if benefits last long-term or if side effects pop up later.
- Specific Crowd: Focused on mild hypertension in adults; it might not work the same for severe cases, healthy people, or kids.
- Funding Note: Part-funded by a hemp protein company, which could subtly influence results (though the design was solid).
- Control Choice: Casein was used as a neutral protein, but other options like whey might compare differently.

Overall, this is promising early evidence for hemp protein in blood pressure management, but wait for more research before relying on it alone. Check the trial at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03508895) for full details.