According to EatThis.com, consuming excessive amounts of sugar can have detrimental effects on our health. They include an increased risk of high blood pressure. The article cites a recent study published in the journal “Hypertension”. It set a threshold of consuming more than 74 grams of sugar per day. Anything above had a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed data from over 4,500 adults. The researchers found that those who consumed the most sugar had a 77% higher risk of developing high blood pressure. They compared this data to those who consumed the least amount of sugar. The researchers also noted that the risk was independent of other factors. They include age, sex, race, and body mass index.
Sugar & Blood Pressure
Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that it can also contribute to high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Reducing sugar intake is crucial for maintaining a healthy blood pressure level. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams per day for men. This can be achieved by cutting back on sugary beverages, processed foods, and desserts, and opting for healthier alternatives.
Consuming too much added sugar can have numerous negative health effects, shares Wan Na Chun, Registered Dietitian of One Pot Wellness:
"It can lead to weight gain, visceral fat accumulation, and an increased risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide".
Five popular American foods & drinks with high sugar
- Sugary Drinks like Pepsi and Mountain Dew are loaded with sugar. A 20-ounce Pepsi contains 69 grams of sugar.
- Granola Bars, often perceived as healthy, can be high in added sugar. A standard Chewy granola bar has about 7 grams of sugar.
- Flavored Yogurts, such as Yoplait’s strawberry yogurt, are high in sugar, with a six-ounce serving containing 26 grams.
- Condiments like ketchup and barbecue sauce contain significant sugar. A tablespoon of ketchup has around 4 grams.
- Cereal Bars like Nutri-Grain are high in sugar, with one bar containing around 39 grams.
