Food that Lowers Blood Pressure

If you are fond of soft drinks, beware! A new study shows that intake of high fructose corn syrup – a component found in soft drink, candy, and fruit juices – can put even an otherwise healthy individual at a greater risk to high blood pressure.

The Study

Recently, a study was conducted to understand the link between high fructose intake and hypertension. In this study, 4,528 adults who had no previous history of hypertension were examined. The volunteers were asked detailed questions about their diet.

The average fruit fructose consumption of each individual was calculated on the basis of their consumptions of fruit juices, candy, soft drinks, and other types of food. The consumption of natural fruits was ignored while calculating the daily fructose intake of each individual.

Researchers explained that the natural fructose present in fruits is not harmful, as antioxidants present in the fruits negate any harmful effects that the natural fructose may have.

The Findings

The researchers controlled other factors, such as daily calorie intake, activity levels, age et al., but still found a link between high fructose consumption and hypertension. Participants who consumed on average 2.5 sugary soft drinks a day were 36% more likely to develop hypertension.

How fructose may lead to elevated blood pressure

Dr. Diana Jalal, researcher of this study has said that fructose due to the following reasons may contribute to the development of high blood pressure:

• Fructose can lead to low nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide helps the blood vessels to relax. When the blood vessels relax the blood pressure is lowered naturally. However, if the production of nitric oxide is low, blood vessels will not be able to fully relax and expand, and result will be elevated blood pressure.
• Fructose raises the uric acid in the blood, as a result of which less salt is eliminated from the body.

Separate studies on refined fructose products show that these products can be detrimental to health. In fact, some samples of high fructose corn syrup have reported to contain mercury, which can lead to various health problems.

While experts do believe there is no need for further study on link between refined fructose products and hypertension, it is now accepted that over-indulgence in soft drinks should be avoided.

If you have high blood pressure then it is in your best interest to completely avoid soft drinks and other products that contain refined fructose. Also, avoid processed foods that typically have a high amount of sodium.

You should eat a diet that is rich in wholesome food products. In addition to a healthy diet, exercise regularly. Exercise reduces the plaque buildup in arteries and is instrumental in improving the blood flow.

You may also want to check out our program for lowering high blood pressure naturally.

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