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Being on a high protein diet can lower blood pressure in adults, according to a new study.

New research reveals that individuals who consumed the highest amount of protein were least likely to develop high blood pressure. The study revealed that participants who ate the highest amount of protein had a 40 percent lower risk of developing hypertension compared to those with the lowest intake level.

In the study, researchers analyzed protein intakes of healthy participants from the Framingham Offspring Study and followed them for development of high blood pressure over an 11-year period.

The study revealed that adults who consumed more animal or plant protein were had significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure after four years of follow-up. Researchers noted that this effect was found in both overweight and normal weight individuals.

The study also linked more protein intake to lower long-term risks for high blood pressure. Researchers explained that diets that contained higher intakes of fiber and protein correlated with a 40 percent to 60 percent decrease in the risk of hypertension.

"These results provide no evidence to suggest that individuals concerned about the development of HBP should avoid dietary protein. Rather, protein intake may play a role in the long-term prevention of HBP," corresponding author Lynn Moore, associate professor of medicine at BUSM, explained in a statement.

"This growing body of research on the vascular benefits of protein, including this study, suggest we need to revisit optimal protein intake for optimal heart health," she added.

The findings are published in the American Journal of Hypertension.