Hypertension and High Fructose Corn Syrup
Friday November 13 2009posted by Adam - Total Comments: 0
There have been reports about health concerns and high fructose corn syrup for years, and a new study indicates a link between hypertension and high fructose corn syrup.
At the University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center Diana Jalal, MD, led a study of 4,528 adults 18 years of age or older with no prior history of hypertension (high blood pressure). The team found that people who consumed more two and a half cans of a sugary soft drink raised their risk of high blood pressure readings. A report in Science Daily said:
Specifically, a diet of more than 74 grams per day of fructose led to a 28%, 36%, and 87% higher risk for blood pressure levels of 135/85, 140/90, and 160/100 mmHg, respectively. (A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg.)
Though the study shows that increasing high fructose corn syrup intake can increase hypertension risk, it did not show if the opposite is true. Additional studies would be necessary to show that lowering daily intake of high fructose corn syrup could lower risk for hypertension. Hopefully someone is working on that study.
In the meantime, Weight Loss Surgical Center patients know that the best beverages for them are low- or no-calorie drinks, like coffees, teas and especially water. This is just one more reason to avoid sweet drinks and stick to water.