High Fructose Corn Syrup Linked to Hypertension
High Fructose Corn Syrup Linked to Hypertension The rate of obesity has sharply increased over the last 20 years as a result of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) being used in every day products that we consume. It has been shown that Americans are consuming more than 30% of fructose than 20 years ago and about four times more than a century ago. The American Society of Nephrology at their recent annual meeting in San Diego, California, presented a paper that showed a diet high in fructose increases the risk of developing high blood pressure (aka hypertension). According to their findings, it is suggested that people should cut back on processed foods and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup. In cutting back on HFCS, this may help prevent hypertension. The University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center in another study, took over 4500 adults that were 18 years of age and older with no prior history of hypertension. A dietary questionnaire was given using fructose intake and foods such as fruit juices, soft drinks, bakery goods and candy. The findings showed that people who ate or drank more than 74 grams of fructose per day (2.5 sugary soft drinks per day) definitely increased the risk of developing hypertension. A diet that takes in more than 74 grams of fructose per day can lead to a risk for higher blood pressure, upwards of 160/100 mmHg. A normal blood pressure reading is usually below 120/80 mmHg. Unlike glucose sugar, fructose is processed almost solely by the liver and produces an excessive amount of triglycerides. Triglycerides is fat which gets into the bloodstream and can interfere with insulin levels. This in turn can play a major role in brain cell survival or the ability for the brain to change based on new experiences. In addition, high intake of fructose has been associated with a number of health problems such as Type II Diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and insulin insensitivity. Bottom line, “read your labels” before consuming a product. The human body was meant to eat fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, not ‘processed foods’ like HFCS.
Howard has a keen interest in alternative and integrative health methods. His research has revealed that a person’s eating habits and lifestyle can have a dramatic affect on their health. Howard has extensive background in video production and has conducted numerous video interviews with professionals in the alternative health field. Article Source: