Antihypertensive Properties of Plant Protein Derived Peptides

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a major health problem in the industrialized countries, representing the main cause of death in the world. It is estimated that 17 million people globally die of CVD every year and these diseases are responsible for more than half of all deaths in Europe [1]. Therefore, primary prevention is becoming an increasing part of public health strategies aimed at reducing societal burden due to CVD-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are several behavioural factors such as tobacco use, ethanol consumption, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity that can lead to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, overweight and obesity, and thereby contribute to CVD development. The World Health Organisation emphasises the importance of improved nutrition as means of controlling the expected rise in global CVD incidence over the next decades.