High Fructose Diet Linked to High Blood Pressure

We’ve all been told that too much salt can increase the chance of developing high blood pressure. Now a new study suggests that sugar may also contribute to hypertension. Researchers at the University of Colorado examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. People who consumed 74 grams or more per day of fructose, a component of sugar, had a significantly higher risk of elevated blood pressure. This corresponds to approximately 2 and a half regular soft drinks a day. They recommend a clinical trial to see if a low-sugar diet can prevent hypertension.

[Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, July, 2010]