While this probably fall under the “already-heavily-dissected-by-the-blogosphere” category, it’s worth revisiting in light of my prior post.
At the November 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Nephrology, Dr. Diana Jalal from the Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center presented the results of a research survey of 4500 participants that concluded the following.
Consuming 74 grams or more of fructose per day — equivalent to about 2.5 12-ounce cans of sugary soda — correlated significantly with blood pressure of at least 135/85 mm Hg; the relation grew stronger as blood pressure rose. The survey participants had no history of hypertension.
Nephrologists have a vested interest in this type research since persistent high blood pressure is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure. Hypertension is also one of the more predictable risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, and arterial aneurysms – to name just a few niceties.
While I believe that HFCS consumption played a role in these results, it’s also important to note that added sugars in general could easily have led to these results.
Remember, whether it’s high fructose corn syrup or “organic evaporated cane juice,” it’s still going to spike your insulin and raise your blood pressure.