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Common Sweetener Risk?

Common Sweetener Risk?


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A sweetener commonly used in processed foods and drinks could pose a threat to your heart health.
Hi, I'm Dr. Cindy Haines, host of HealthDay TV.

High blood pressure is a major problem in the United States. Nearly one-third of American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension. This condition raises the risk of many common, serious diseases including heart disease and stroke. In one recent year, hypertension was a factor in more than 320,000 deaths in America.
New research from the University of Colorado suggests that fructose, a food ingredient that has become more common in the American diet, may play a role in high blood pressure. The researchers looked at more than 4,000 adults who took part in a national survey.
People who consumed at least 74 grams a day of fructose - the amount found in 2 1/2 sugary sodas - had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure. In fact, these people had a 77-percent higher risk of having blood pressure of 160/100 or more. Normal blood pressure is considered less than 120 over less than 80.
According to the researchers, cutting back on fructose isn't hard to do: Much of our fructose comes from sodas and processed goods. Watching for this added sugar and avoiding it more often than not may add up to better health.
I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading; health news that matters to you.

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