A diet high in fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a recipe for disaster. According to new research a diet high in fructose corn syrup increases the risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). The findings suggest that cutting back on processed foods and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup may help prevent hypertension.HFCS comprises any of a group of corn syrups that has undergone enzymatic processing to convert glucose into fructose and has then been mixed with pure corn syrup (100% glucose) to produce a desired sweetness. HFCS is typically used as a sugar substitute and used in a variety of processed foods and beverages, including sodas, certain juices, yogurt, cookies, candies, salad dressing, some breads and some soups.
Over the last 200 years, the rate of fructose intake has directly paralleled the increasing rate of obesity, which has increased sharply in the last 20 years since the introduction of HFCS. Today, Americans consume 30% more fructose than 20 years ago and up to four times more than 100 years ago, when obesity rates were less than 5%. While this increase mirrors the dramatic rise in the prevalence of hypertension, studies have been inconsistent in linking excess fructose in the diet to hypertension.
The new findings now link the increased consumption of HFCS with hypertension, a deadly condition that is responsible for increased mortality across tghe world.
HFCS Hypertension Study
Researchers from the Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center examined 4,528 adults 18 years of age or older with no prior history of hypertension. Fructose intake was calculated based on a dietary questionnaire, and foods such as fruit juices, soft drinks, bakery products, and candy were included.The researchers team found that people who ate or drank more than 74 grams per day of fructose (2.5 sugary soft drinks per day) increased their risk of developing hypertension. 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.)
"These results indicate that high fructose intake in the form of added sugars is significantly and independently associated with higher blood pressure levels in the US adult population with no previous history of hypertension," according to the findings. Additional studies are needed to see if low fructose diets can normalize blood pressure and prevent the development of hypertension