Research has previously linked high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with increased risk for obesity, increased cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Critics would argue it’s no coincidence that obesity levels have sharply increased over the past 20 years as use of HFCS in food production increased. A new study out of University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center has now found an association between HFCS and increased risk for developing high blood pressure.
The study looked at 4,528 adults with no previous history of hypertension (high blood pressure). According to an article in Nutrition Horizon, researchers 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.” Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg.
High fructose corn syrup is a commercially produced sweetener and used in everything from soft drinks and baked goods to salad dressings and yogurt. The Corn Refiners Association has worked hard to protect the reputation of HFCS, promoting it as “natural” and having the same amount of calories as regular table sugar. When I think of natural I think of things that grow from the ground or can be picked off trees; not something that is highly processed. Or you can think of it this way…if humans weren’t around to produce it, HFCS would not exist.
So what to do with all this information? The answer remains the same from our end. Continue to:
- Limit your intake of processed and packaged foods.
- Choose foods “closest to the farm” as Josee likes to say.
- Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, lean meat, fish, low-fat diary and healthy fats.
- Read labels to identify foods that contain high fructose corn syrup.
- Stay active!
- Lauren
Labels: healthy tips, heart health, Lauren, Obesity
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Eat real foods.. always we come back to that & it is great advice! I stay away from packaged foods as much as possible