Don't miss veggie protein

You the Docs: Dr. Mike Roizen, Dr. Mehmet Oz
Name some good ways to get protein. If your answer didn't include plant products, you're missing a great way to keep your blood pressure under control. People who have better blood pressure also have diets high in vegetable – not animal – protein.

Researchers aren't sure why veggie protein lowers this key health measure, but they suspect that the amino acids (the building blocks of protein) in veggies may somehow be kinder to blood pressure than those in animal protein. And the magnesium and other nutrients found in veggies may work with the amino acids to enhance their effects. Plus, the lack of saturated fat in veggie protein may allow your arteries to relax, which also lowers blood pressure.

Edamame (soybeans) and kidney beans both hold more protein per cup (17 g and 16 g, respectively) than a serving of turkey (12 g in 3 ounces). Green peas are no slouches, with 9 g of protein per cup, followed by portobello mushrooms and spinach (5 g), and corn and broccoli (4 g).

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