A new international study has found that diets rich in lentils, chickpeas, beans, and soy foods may help lower the risk of high blood pressure.
Researchers say regular consumption of these foods could play an important role in improving heart health.
The findings, published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, were based on an analysis of data collected from 12 different studies.
Study highlights benefits of pulses and soy
According to researchers, eating around 170 grams of pulses — including lentils, chickpeas, and beans — daily was linked to a significantly lower risk of hypertension.
The study also found that consuming 60 to 80 grams of soy-based foods such as tofu and edamame each day showed strong health benefits.
Scientists from several institutions, including King's College London, contributed to the research.
The analysis showed that people who consumed the highest amounts of pulses had a 16 percent lower risk of high blood pressure compared to those who consumed the least.
Similarly, individuals who regularly consumed soy foods had a 19 percent lower risk of developing hypertension.
Researchers further noted that eating 170 grams of pulses daily could reduce the overall risk of high blood pressure by nearly 30 percent.
Meanwhile, consuming 60 to 80 grams of soy foods every day was associated with a 28 to 29 percent reduction in hypertension risk.
The study combined findings from 12 separate research studies to better understand the relationship between diet and blood pressure.
Experts believe the results add to growing evidence that plant-based foods rich in protein and fiber can support cardiovascular health and help reduce the burden of hypertension worldwide.
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