No surprise finding an Italian cheese contains anti-hypertensive benefits, given that Penicillin can even grow from old bread. Cow’s milk-proteins are fermented by bacteria-producing bioactive oligopeptides that have been shown to have ACE inhibition activity in vitro. ACE inhibitors are a class of prescription anti-hypertensive drugs widely used today. Variety of bioactive oligopeptides differs according to type and age of cheeses.
Present in Grana Padano (hard cheese aged 9-12 months) is an ACE inhibitor substance that has been proven to lower blood pressure. Eating 30 grams (1 oz.) daily of Grana Padano (similar to Parmesan), participants’ blood pressures dropped 6/5 mmHg (136/85—> 130/80).
All participants had similar medical backgrounds and blood pressures were monitored 24/7.
At the end of 3 months, participants’ body mass index (BMI), total and HDL(good) cholesterol, triglycerides, and serum sodium and potassium were unaffected.
Researchers cautioned more studies are necessary before it becomes a ‘claim’.
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