Sugar Increases Blood Pressure

A diet high in fructose may lead to higher blood pressure new research shows. While fructose is also the main sugar in fruit, fruit contains vitamins and fiber that in most cases, block the negative effects of this dietary sugar. In the study, men took a daily pill that contained 200 grams of fructose, which is nearly three times the amount of fructose the average man consumes. After only two weeks of this high-fructose diet, subjects showed significant increases in blood pressure and other symptoms thought to be precursors for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, such as higher fasting blood sugar levels and higher cholesterol. While in the past, those at risk for heart disease have been advised to reduce their salt intake, as this can raise blood pressure, these findings suggest that sugar intake may have to be kept in check as well The study concluded that soda and other drinks sweetened with sugar are associated with higher blood pressure. And the more sugar as well as sodium (also found in abundance in most sodas) people consumed, the higher blood pressure spiked upwards. Hypertension April, 2011