HFCS Increases Hypertension Risk by 87%

Our good friends at Science Daily are reporting that a diet high in fructose increases the risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension), according to a paper being presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego, California. The findings suggest that cutting back on processed foods and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) may help prevent hypertension.

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.

I'd just like to say that I'm pleased that science is finally taking a gander at the fat and sugary diets that we're ingesting.

Meantime, here are some graphs that I've been meaning to post for a while...