Washington, DC (July 6, 2009) -- Glutamic acid may be one of the components responsible for the lower blood pressures of people with vegetable-rich diets, according to a study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Glutamic acid is one of the twenty amino acids which are building blocks for all the proteins in the body.

The researchers looked at diet and blood pressure data from 4,680 people aged 40 to 59. They analysed the amount of five amino acids (glutamate, proline, phenylalanine, serine and cystine) in people's diets and found that, on average, people who consume more glutamic acid have lower blood pressure than those who consume less.

The study is in line with findings from the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, developed by the US National Institutes of Health and recommended by the American Heart Association. Proven to lower blood pressure, the diet is rich in fruit, vegetables and low-fat dairy product, as well as whole grains, lean poultry, nuts and beans - many of which are naturally high in glutamic acid.