Sugary ingredients in snacks and soft drinks can elevate blood pressure. Recent research highlights the dangers of high fructose consumption.
Naturally, fructose occurs in smaller amounts in fruits. However, excessive intake can harm arteries. US scientists discovered that consuming more than 74 grams of fructose daily—equivalent to about 2.5 sugary soft drinks—increases the risk of high blood pressure.
Fructose is added to many foods and beverages and was once viewed as a "healthier" sweetener. Processed forms emerged around 20 years ago, coinciding with rising fructose consumption and a surge in obesity rates.
Researchers note that one in three Americans has hypertension or high blood pressure without knowing it.
