Macro partitioning
Replacing carbohydrates with protein (approx. half from plant sources) or unsaturated fat (predominantly monounsaturated) in a diet reduced in saturated fat further lowers systolic blood pressure and improves serum lipid profiles compared to a carbohydrate-rich diet.
If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, try swapping some of your carbohydrates (like bread, rice, or pasta) for more protein (especially plant-based sources like beans and nuts) or unsaturated fats (like olive oil and avocados). This change, while keeping total calories and saturated fat low, can lower your blood pressure and improve your cholesterol levels more than sticking to a high-carb diet alone.
In the setting of a healthful diet, partial substitution of carbohydrate with either protein or monounsaturated fat can further lower blood pressure, improve lipid levels, and reduce estimated cardiovascular risk.
Why this rating
Randomized, 3-period, crossover feeding study with high adherence and controlled conditions.
Source
Effects of Protein, Monounsaturated Fat, and Carbohydrate Intake on Blood Pressure and Serum Lipids
Lawrence J. Appel et al. · JAMA · 2005
DOI 10.1001/jama.294.19.2455
Related findings · Macro partitioning
- Total daily protein intake of 1.6 g/kg/day is sufficient for maximizing resistance training-induced muscle gains, with an upper confidence interval of 2.2 g/kg/day.Strong
- Resistance exercise training combined with sufficient dietary protein intake acts synergistically to maximize skeletal muscle hypertrophy, with protein intake saturating around 1.6 g/kg/day for general populations and potentially requiring 2.0-2.2 g/kg/day for resistance-trained individuals.Strong
- Trans fats should be completely eliminated from the diet, as they increase LDL cholesterol, decrease HDL cholesterol, and are directly associated with increased coronary risk.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →