Overview
- An analysis in BMJ Nutrition Prevention and Health pooled 12 observational studies of more than 100,000 people to assess legumes and soy intake and hypertension risk.
- Eating about 170 g of legumes per day was associated with roughly a 30% lower chance of developing high blood pressure.
- Consuming about 60–80 g of soy foods per day was linked to a 28–29% lower risk of high blood pressure.
- The British Heart Foundation and the Stroke Association said the findings reinforce advice to eat more plant protein, noting average intake is 8–15 g a day versus a 65–100 g target.
- Coverage noted a practical caveat that sauces in some canned baked beans contain added sugar that can reduce any benefit, and researchers stressed the evidence shows association rather than proof.