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Eating lean beef can reduce risk factors for heart disease, according to a new research. 

"This research adds to the significant evidence, including work previously done in our lab, that supports lean beef's role in a heart-healthy diet," said Penny M. Kris-Etherton, Distinguished Professor of Nutrition, Penn State, in the press release. "This study shows that nutrient-rich lean beef can be included as part of a heart-healthy diet that reduces blood pressure, which can help lower the risk for cardiovascular disease."

American Heart Association currently recommends the DASH eating plan - Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension - to lower blood pressure and reduce risk of heart disease. The DASH diet encourages people to eat fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and proteins, mainly obtained from plant sources. 

Lean beef can serve as the predominant protein source in a DASH-like diet, along with fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy, to effectively help lower blood pressure in healthy individuals, researchers said. 

The DASH-like diet is also dubbed BOLD+ diet - Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet plus additional protein.

"This evidence suggests that it is the total protein intake -- not the type of protein -- that is instrumental in reducing blood pressure, as part of a DASH-like dietary pattern," the researchers stated.

The research has been published in the Journal of Human Hypertension.