Research: High intake of sugar could raise blood pressure, increase cholesterol

(NECN/ABC) – While those with heart disease have long been told to limit their salt intake, as this has been shown to raise blood pressure, new research suggests that a very high intake of sugar could also raise blood pressure and increase cholesterol. A diet high in fructose, a dietary sugar present in table sugar and high- fructose corn syrup, may lead to higher blood pressure new research shows. While fructose is also the main sugar in fruit, fruit contains vitamins and fiber that in most cases, block the negative effects of this dietary sugar. In the study, men took a daily pill that contained 200 grams of fructose, which is nearly three times the amount of fructose the average man consumes. After only two weeks of this high-fructose diet, subjects showed significant increases in blood pressure and other symptoms thought to be precursors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, such as higher fasting blood sugar levels and higher cholesterol. While in the past, those at risk for heart disease have been advised to reduce their salt intake, as this can raise blood pressure, these findings suggest that sugar intake may have to be kept in check as well. ABC’s Dr. Timothy Johnson has the latest. Source: AHA – High Blood Pressure Research Conference; University of Colorado, Denver