Hypertension Contributions by vikdad1

Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on hypertension have been conducted.

Human Studies-

Animal studies have found evidence that chlorogenic acids (antioxidants) from green coffee bean extract can reduce blood pressure.¹ Based on this, researchers have conducted human trials.

Positive Impact. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily.² After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement.

Positive Impact. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures⁴.

Animal Studies-

Positive Impact. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, this study did not use GCBE Green Coffee Bean Extract in the study, but rather a key compound within GCBE that is thought to have the anti-hypertensive effectsconcentrated chlorogenic acid, the essential substance within the extract. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.

Recent studies suggest that Green Coffee Bean Extract may have a multitude of health benefits, mainly in dealing with health challenges that stem from oxidative stress (such as heart disease or cancer). The most convincing evidence supports the claim that GCBE may help reduce blood pressure.

The key compound within Green Coffee Bean Extract that is thought to have anti-hypertensive effects is chlorogenic acid, which is apart of the primary polyphenol antioxidants family. in green coffee bean extract are in a family known as chlorogenic acids (CGA). Research evidence indicates that CGA may help reduce blood pressure.

Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on hypertension have been conducted.

Human Studies-

Animal studies have found evidence that chlorogenic acids (antioxidants) from green coffee bean extract can reduce blood pressure.¹ Based on this, researchers have conducted human trials.

Positive Impact. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily.² After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement.

Positive Impact. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures⁴.

Animal Studies-

Positive Impact. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) caused a reduction in blood pressure. What makes this study especiallHoweverHowever, this study did not use Green Coffee Bean Extract in the study, but rather a concentrated chlorogenic acid, the essential substance within the extract. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.

Because Green Coffee Bean Extract’s popularity is a recent phenomenon, the body of research supporting its health benefits is minimal. Still, a few human studies and several more animal studies researching the impact of GCBE on hypertension have been conducted.

Human Studies-

Animal studies have found evidence that chlorogenic acids (antioxidants) from green coffee bean extract can reduce blood pressure.¹ Based on this, researchers have conducted human trials.

Positive Impact. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 117 males with mild hypertension, GCBE was given for one month at 46 mg, 93 mg, or 185 mg daily.² After 28 days, the results showed a significant improvement in blood pressure as compared to placebo in the 93 mg and 185 mg groups. The results seen were dose-related, meaning that the greater the dose, the greater the improvement.

Positive Impact. In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 28 Japanese with mild hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure of 90-99 mmHg) were participants in a GCBE study. Over the course of 12 weeks, half of the group consumed fruit juice containing Green Coffee Bean Extract, while the other half drank fruit juice with no extract added (placebo). Around 500 mg of GCBE was added to the juice. Results showed that while the placebo group showed no reduction in blood pressure, the GCBE consuming group both had statistically significant reductions to their systolic and diastolic blood pressures⁴.

Animal Studies-

Positive Impact. A study on two different rat species showed that both a single oral dose and a long-term daily dose (6 week) caused a reduction in blood pressure. However, this study did not use Green Coffee Bean Extract in the study, but rather a concentrated chlorogenic acid, the essential substance within the extract. What makes this study interesting is that it compared the impact of Green Coffee Bean Extract to Roasted Coffee extract. The results showed that roasted coffee extract had no correlation with reduced blood pressure, revealing the especially unique nature of GCBE.

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop hypertension with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing hypertension. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors for hypertension include:

Specific Lifestyle Factors

• Alcohol use —Drinking alcohol regularly and in large amounts increases blood pressure. This means drinking more than one daily drink for women or two for men.

• High Fructose Corn Syrup Consumption- HFCS has been correlated to several metabolic syndromes, including an increased incidence of hypertension. Learn more.

• Excess dietary sodium—In susceptible people, a high salt diet may contribute to high blood pressure.

• Lack of exercise—Moderate to intense exercise, done regularly, improves heart function and promotes healthy arteries. If you’re unaccustomed to exercise, check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

• Stress—Hormones released by your body when you are under stress can increase your blood pressure. This may aggravate high blood pressure in genetically susceptible individuals.

Medical Conditions

• Obesity —Like all tissue, fatty tissue requires a rich blood supply. The heart has to work harder to deliver blood to all the body tissues in heavier people than in leaner people.

• Other conditions associated with hypertension include:
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Porphyria
  • Toxemia of pregnancy

Certain Medications

• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)—Taking oral contraceptives may increase your risk of hypertension in certain situations. You are more likely to develop high blood pressure while taking birth control pills if you:
  • Have a family history of hypertension
  • Have kidney disease
  • Are overweight
  • Had high blood pressure during pregnancy

• Other medications—Certain drugs can increase your risk of hypertension and/or interfere with medications you may take to lower your blood pressure. These include:
  • Steroids
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Decongestants
  • Diet pills
  • Antidepressants

Age

People age 35 and older are at increased risk of developing hypertension, although anyone, even children, can have high blood pressure.

Gender

Men are generally at greater risk for hypertension than pre-menopausal women. After menopause , though, a woman's risk increases and is slightly greater than that of a man of the same age.

Genetic Factors

Having family members with high blood pressure increases your risk of developing the condition.

Race

Hypertension tends to develop at an earlier age and is more severe in blacks than in whites.

A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop hypertension with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing hypertension. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors for hypertension include:

Specific Lifestyle Factors

• Alcohol use —Drinking alcohol regularly and in large amounts increases blood pressure. This means drinking more than one daily drink for women or two for men.

• High Fructose Corn Syrup Consumption- HFCS has been correlated to several metabolic syndromes, including an increased incidence of hypertension. Learn more.

• Excess dietary sodium—In susceptible people, a high salt diet may contribute to high blood pressure.

• Lack of exercise—Moderate to intense exercise, done regularly, improves heart function and promotes healthy arteries. If you’re unaccustomed to exercise, check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

• Stress—Hormones released by your body when you are under stress can increase your blood pressure. This may aggravate high blood pressure in genetically susceptible individuals.

Medical Conditions

• Obesity —Like all tissue, fatty tissue requires a rich blood supply. The heart has to work harder to deliver blood to all the body tissues in heavier people than in leaner people.

• Other conditions associated with hypertension include:
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Porphyria
  • Toxemia of pregnancy

Certain Medications

• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)—Taking oral contraceptives may increase your risk of hypertension in certain situations. You are more likely to develop high blood pressure while taking birth control pills if you:
  • Have a family history of hypertension
  • Have kidney disease
  • Are overweight
  • Had high blood pressure during pregnancy

• Other medications—Certain drugs can increase your risk of hypertension and/or interfere with medications you may take to lower your blood pressure. These include:
  • Steroids
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Decongestants
  • Diet pills
  • Antidepressants

Age

People age 35 and older are at increased risk of developing hypertension, although anyone, even children, can have high blood pressure.

Gender

Men are generally at greater risk for hypertension than pre-menopausal women. After menopause , though, a woman's risk increases and is slightly greater than that of a man of the same age.

Genetic Factors

Having family members with high blood pressure increases your risk of developing the condition.

Race

Hypertension tends to develop at an earlier age and is more severe in blacks than in whites.

Human Studies

Amongst several other metabolic syndromes, HFCS has been implicated in the rise of hypertension in the United States over the last 3 decades. Studies on the effect of High Fructose Corn Syrup and hypertension have yielded varied results. For obvious reasons, studies have been epidemiological in nature. Three notable studies are presented here, beginning with a classification of whether the study showed ‘positive, neutral, or no’ correlation of HFCS to hypertension:

• Positive Correlation: one of the largest and most convincing studies showed an undeniable correlation to hypertension. In this study, 4528 participants were surveyed and each had a fructose consumption of ≥74 g/d (equivalent of 2.5 sugary soft drinks per day). The results showed that this level of fructose intake led to a 26, 30, and 77% higher risk for blood pressure cutoffs of ≥135/85, ≥140/90, and ≥160/100 mmHg, respectively⁴. Furthermore, the study suggested that high fructose intake caused elevated blood pressure in US adults with no previous history of hypertension.

• Neutral Correlation: In another epidemiological study of 6039 middle-aged adults, consumption of ≥1 soft drink per day showed 18% higher risk of hypertension, a statistic that only bordered the test of significance. However, the study did show a 25%-32% increased chance of obesity, waist circumference, and diabetes⁵.

• No Correlation: One study of three large cohorts of health professionals showed no effect of high fructose intake on hypertension. However, a weakness in the study was that all subjects were indeed health professionals, and as such, their diets did not mirror the general populations⁶. Specifically, 23.6% of the fructose intake in this study was derived from fruit, a statistic not reflective of the general population in the United States, where the majority of sugar intake is derived from added sweeteners⁷.

Animal Studies

Animal studies have shown a convincing correlation between a high fructose diet and hypertension. Three studies are presented here:

• Positive Correlation: In a two-week study performed at Stanford University, rats fed a diet of 66% fructose as a percentage of total calories had a rise in blood pressure of 21 mmHg, from 124±2 to 145±2 mmHg. The control group, fed a normal diet, did not see a rise in hypertension incidence⁸.

• Positive Correlation: The effect of high fructose on hypertension in rats was confirmed in a later study that used 10% fructose in water, equivalent to a diet containing 48-57% fructose. Within one week, the rats showed a rapid rise in hypertension incidence⁹.

• Positive Correlation: Lastly, a study performed at the Mayo Clinic on male dogs showed a strong correlation between HFCS and hypertension. Dogs were fed 60% of their calories as fructose, compared to the control group that fed on dextrose instead. Within 28 days, fructose-feeding dogs had a 22 mmHg rise in blood pressure (from 100.4±1.6 to 122.6±2.3 mmHg). The control did not show an increase in hypertension¹⁰.

The bottom line in selecting chocolate is to opt for darker chocolate, rather than milk or white chocolate. Also, be sure to choose natural chocolate rather than processed chocolate (i.e. Snickers), because processed chocolate nearly always contains High Fructose Corn Syrup, which tends to have a detrimental impact on hypertension (Hypertension and High Fructose Corn Syrup.) As for dosage, the beneficial amounts used in two of the studies discussed here were 6.3 g and 100 g.

The typical daily dose of flavanols from chocolate thought to offer a beneficial effect range widely from 30 to 500 mg per day. The flavanol content of chocolate itself also varies widely. White chocolate contains little to no flavanols, commercial dark chocolate can contain as much as 500-2,000 mg of flavonols per 100 grams of chocolate. Special flavonol-enriched forms of chocolate are also available.

There are a number of ways you can use dietary modifications and supplements to help prevent and treat hypertension.

Consider the following:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: A diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, while rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, will help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight—all of which leads to a healthier heart. This is what is traditionally known as the heart-healthy diet.
  • A clinical study, called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), has found that certain healthful eating patterns can reduce blood pressure. This is called the DASH diet, and it follows many of the guidelines of the heart-healthy diet.
  • Findings from the second phase of the DASH study indicate that cutting salt intake is another effective way to lower blood pressure. Sodium intake is a risk factor for some but not all people. Doctors have traditionally advised patients with hypertension to significantly cut down on salt in the diet. However, the value of this stressful dietary change has undergone significant questioning. Consult with your physician to learn the latest recommendations.
  • For many years, the American Heart Association and other major institutions have recommended cutting down on saturated fat and increasing carbohydrates. However, growing evidence suggests that it is preferable to keep carbohydrate levels relatively low while replacing saturated fat with monounsaturated fats such as olive oil.¹¹⁰ For more information, see the low-carbohydrate diet article.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing as little as 10 pounds can help decrease your heart’s workload and lower your blood pressure. Try to keep your body mass index (BMI) below 25. Exercising regularly and following one of the dietary approaches mentioned above will help with achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. For information on movement and hypertension, see the body page.
• Reduce alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol increases blood pressure and can lead to other heart problems. Moderate alcohol intake, however, is not associated with high blood pressure. (Moderate alcohol intake is two drinks or fewer per day for men and one drink or fewer per day for women.)
• Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup: High Fructose Corn Syrup is a proven culprit in causing metabolic syndromes (including abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.) It is an artificial sweetener found in the majority of processed foods and soft drinks, and is consumed at an alarming rate in the United States and around the world despite its health detriments. Reducing your consumption of HFCS can decrease your hypertension & increase your general fitness. Learn more about the Effect of HFCS on Hypertension.

In addition to modifying your diet, you might consider incorporating some of the following foods and supplements, which are commonly recommended for hypertension and researched for this purpose:

• Folate (folic acid)
• Coenzyme Q10
• Fish oil
• Fermented milk
• Chocolate
• Garlic
• Soy
• Calcium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D

The following foods and supplements are also sometimes recommended for hypertension, though they have not yet been thoroughly studied for this purpose:

• Beta-carotene
• Flaxseed oil
• Royal jelly
• Taurine
• Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB)⁶¹
• Blue-green algae products⁵⁰
• Chitosan⁴²
• Concord grape juice⁸⁸
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)^115-121
• Kelp⁴⁴
• Lipoic acid combined with carnitine¹⁰⁶
• Quercetin¹²³
• Sweetie fruit (a hybrid between grapefruit and pummelo, high in citrus bioflavonoids)⁸³

There are a number of ways you can use dietary modifications and supplements to help prevent and treat hypertension.

Consider the following:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: A diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, while rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, will help lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight—all of which leads to a healthier heart. This is what is traditionally known as the heart-healthy diet.
  • A clinical study, called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), has found that certain healthful eating patterns can reduce blood pressure. This is called the DASH diet, and it follows many of the guidelines of the heart-healthy diet.
  • Findings from the second phase of the DASH study indicate that cutting salt intake is another effective way to lower blood pressure. Sodium intake is a risk factor for some but not all people. Doctors have traditionally advised patients with hypertension to significantly cut down on salt in the diet. However, the value of this stressful dietary change has undergone significant questioning. Consult with your physician to learn the latest recommendations.
  • For many years, the American Heart Association and other major institutions have recommended cutting down on saturated fat and increasing carbohydrates. However, growing evidence suggests that it is preferable to keep carbohydrate levels relatively low while replacing saturated fat with monounsaturated fats such as olive oil.¹¹⁰ For more information, see the low-carbohydrate diet article.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing as little as 10 pounds can help decrease your heart’s workload and lower your blood pressure. Try to keep your body mass index (BMI) below 25. Exercising regularly and following one of the dietary approaches mentioned above will help with achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. For information on movement and hypertension, see the body page.
• Reduce alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol increases blood pressure and can lead to other heart problems. Moderate alcohol intake, however, is not associated with high blood pressure. (Moderate alcohol intake is two drinks or fewer per day for men and one drink or fewer per day for women.)
• Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup: High Fructose Corn Syrup is a proven culprit in causing metabolic syndromes (including abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.) It is an artificial sweetener found in the majority of processed foods and soft drinks, and is consumed at an alarming rate in the United States and around the world despite its health detriments. Reducing your consumption of HFCS can decrease your hypertension & increase your general fitness. Learn more about the Effect of HFCS on Hypertension.

In addition to modifying your diet, you might consider incorporating some of the following foods and supplements, which are commonly recommended for hypertension and researched for this purpose:

• Folate (folic acid)
• Coenzyme Q10
• Fish oil
• Fermented milk
• Chocolate
• Garlic
• Soy
• Calcium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D

The following foods and supplements are also sometimes recommended for hypertension, though they have not yet been thoroughly studied for this purpose:

• Beta-carotene
• Flaxseed oil
• Royal jelly
• Taurine
• Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB)⁶¹
• Blue-green algae products⁵⁰
• Chitosan⁴²
• Concord grape juice⁸⁸
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)^115-121
• Kelp⁴⁴
• Lipoic acid combined with carnitine¹⁰⁶
• Quercetin¹²³
• Sweetie fruit (a hybrid between grapefruit and pummelo, high in citrus bioflavonoids)⁸³

Human Studies

Amongst several other metabolic syndromes, HFCS has been implicated in the rise of hypertension in the United States over the last 3 decades. Studies on the effect of High Fructose Corn Syrup and hypertension have yielded varied results. However, For obvious reasons, studies have been epidemiological in nature. Three notable studies are presented here, beginning with a classification of whether the study showed ‘positive, neutral, or no’ correlation of HFCS to hypertension:

• Positive Correlation: one of the largest and most convincing studies showed an undeniable correlation to hypertension. In this study, 4528 participants were surveyed and each had a fructose consumption of ≥74 g/d (equivalent of 2.5 sugary soft drinks per day). The results showed that this level of fructose intake led to a 26, 30, and 77% higher risk for blood pressure cutoffs of ≥135/85, ≥140/90, and ≥160/100 mmHg, respectively⁴. Furthermore, the study suggested that high fructose intake caused elevated blood pressure in US adults with no previous history of hypertension.

• Neutral Correlation: In another epidemiological study of 6039 middle-aged adults, consumption of ≥1 soft drink per day showed 18% higher risk of hypertension, a statistic that only bordered the test of significance. However, the study did show a 25%-32% increased chance of obesity, waist circumference, and diabetes⁵.

• No Correlation: One study of three large cohorts of health professionals showed no effect of high fructose intake on hypertension. However, a weakness in the study was that all subjects were indeed health professionals, and as such, their diets did not mirror the general populations⁶. Specifically, 23.6% of the fructose intake in this study was derived from fruit, a statistic not reflective of the general population in the United States, where the majority of sugar intake is derived from added sweeteners⁷.

Animal Studies

Animal studies have shown a convincing correlation between a high fructose diet and hypertension. Three studies are presented here:

• Positive Correlation: In a two-week study performed at Stanford University, rats fed a diet of 66% fructose as a percentage of total calories had a rise in blood pressure of 21 mmHg, from 124±2 to 145±2 mmHg

• . The control group, fed a normal diet, did not see a rise in hypertension incidence⁸.

• Positive Correlation: The effect of high fructose on hypertension in rats was confirmed in a later study that used 10% fructose in water, equivalent to a diet containing 48-57% fructose. Within one week, the rats showed a rapid rise in hypertension incidence⁹.

• Positive Correlation: Lastly, a study performed at the Mayo Clinic on male dogs showed a strong correlation between HFCS and hypertension. Dogs were fed 60% of their calories as fructose, compared to the control group that fed on dextrose instead. Within 28 days, fructose-feeding dogs had a 22 mmHg rise in blood pressure (from 100.4±1.6 to 122.6±2.3 mmHg). The control did not show an increase in hypertension¹⁰.

Human Studies

Amongst several other metabolic syndromes, HFCS has been implicated in the rise of hypertension in the United States over the last 3 decades. Studies on the effect of High Fructose Corn Syrup and hypertension have yielded varied results. For obvious reasons, studies have been epidemiological in nature. Three notable studies are presented here, beginning with a classification of whether the study showed ‘positive, neutral, or no’ correlation of HFCS to hypertension:

• Positive Correlation: one of the largest and most convincing studies showed an undeniable correlation to hypertension. In this study, 4528 participants were surveyed and each had a fructose consumption of ≥74 g/d (equivalent of 2.5 sugary soft drinks per day). The results showed that this level of fructose intake led to a 26, 30, and 77% higher risk for blood pressure cutoffs of ≥135/85, ≥140/90, and ≥160/100 mmHg, respectively⁴. Furthermore, the study suggested that high fructose intake caused elevated blood pressure in US adults with no previous history of hypertension.

• Neutral Correlation: In another epidemiological study of 6039 middle-aged adults, consumption of ≥1 soft drink per day showed 18% higher risk of hypertension, a statistic that only bordered the test of significance. However, the study did show a 25%-32% increased chance of obesity, waist circumference, and diabetes⁵.

• No Correlation: One study of three large cohorts of health professionals showed no effect of high fructose intake on hypertension. However, a weakness in the study was that all subjects were indeed health professionals, and as such, their diets did not mirror the general populations⁶. Specifically, 23.6% of the fructose intake in this study was derived from fruit, a statistic not reflective of the general population in the United States, where the majority of sugar intake is derived from added sweeteners⁷.

Animal Studies

Animal studies have shown a convincing correlation between a high fructose diet and hypertension. Three studies are presented here:

• Positive Correlation: In a two-week study performed at Stanford University, rats fed a diet of 66% fructose as a percentage of total calories had a rise in blood pressure of 21 mmHg, from 124±2 to 145±2 mmHg. The control group, fed a normal diet, did not see a rise in hypertension incidence⁸.

• Positive Correlation: The effect of high fructose on hypertension in rats was confirmed in a later study that used 10% fructose in water, equivalent to a diet containing 48-57% fructose. Within one week, the rats showed a rapid rise in hypertension incidence⁹.

• Positive Correlation: Lastly, a study performed at the Mayo Clinic on male dogs showed a strong correlation between HFCS and hypertension. Dogs were fed 60% of their calories as fructose, compared to the control group that fed on dextrose instead. Within 28 days, fructose-feeding dogs had a 22 mmHg rise in blood pressure (from 100.4±1.6 to 122.6±2.3 mmHg). The control did not show an increase in hypertension¹⁰.

*Human Studies *

Amongst several other metabolic syndromes, HFCS has been implicated in the rise of hypertension in the United States over the last 3 decades. Studies on the effect of High Fructose Corn Syrup and hypertension have yielded varied results. For obvious reasons, studies have been epidemiological in nature. Three notable studies are presented here, beginning with a classification of whether the study showed ‘positive, neutral, or no’ correlation of HFCS to hypertension:

• Positive Correlation: one of the largest and most convincing studies showed an undeniable correlation to hypertension. In this study, 4528 participants were surveyed and each had a fructose consumption of ≥74 g/d (equivalent of 2.5 sugary soft drinks per day). The results showed that this level of fructose intake led to a 26, 30, and 77% higher risk for blood pressure cutoffs of ≥135/85, ≥140/90, and ≥160/100 mmHg, respectively⁴. Furthermore, the study suggested that high fructose intake caused elevated blood pressure in US adults with no previous history of hypertension.

• Neutral Correlation: In another epidemiological study of 6039 middle-aged adults, consumption of ≥1 soft drink per day showed 18% higher risk of hypertension, a statistic that only bordered the test of significance. However, the study did show a 25%-32% increased chance of obesity, waist circumference, and diabetes⁵.

• No Correlation: One study of three large cohorts of health professionals showed no effect of high fructose intake on hypertension. However, a weakness in the study was that all subjects were indeed health professionals, and as such, their diets did not mirror the general populations⁶. Specifically, 23.6% of the fructose intake in this study was derived from fruit, a statistic not reflective of the general population in the United States, where the majority of sugar intake is derived from added sweeteners⁷.

Animal Studies

Animal studies have shown a convincing correlation between a high fructose diet and hypertension. Three studies are presented here:

• Positive Correlation: In a two-week study performed at Stanford University, rats fed a diet of 66% fructose as a percentage of total calories had a rise in blood pressure of 21 mmHg, from 124±2 to 145±2 mmHg. The control group, fed a normal diet, did not see a rise in hypertension incidence⁸.

• Positive Correlation: The effect of high fructose on hypertension in rats was confirmed in a later study that used 10% fructose in water, equivalent to a diet containing 48-57% fructose. Within one week, the rats showed a rapid rise in hypertension incidence⁹.

• Positive Correlation: Lastly, a study performed at the Mayo Clinic on male dogs showed a strong correlation between HFCS and hypertension. Dogs were fed 60% of their calories as fructose, compared to the control group that fed on dextrose instead. Within 28 days, fructose-feeding dogs had a 22 mmHg rise in blood pressure (from 100.4±1.6 to 122.6±2.3 mmHg). The control did not show an increase in hypertension¹⁰.

Human Studies

Amongst several other metabolic syndromes, HFCS has been implicated in the rise of hypertension in the United States over the last 3 decades. Studies on the effect of High Fructose Corn Syrup and hypertension have yielded varied results. For obvious reasons, studies have been epidemiological in nature. Three notable studies are presented here, beginning with a classification of whether the study showed ‘positive, neutral, or no’ correlation of HFCS to hypertension:

• Positive Correlation: one of the largest and most convincing studies showed an undeniable correlation to hypertension. In this study, 4528 participants were surveyed and each had a fructose consumption of ≥74 g/d (equivalent of 2.5 sugary soft drinks per day). The results showed that this level of fructose intake led to a 26, 30, and 77% higher risk for blood pressure cutoffs of ≥135/85, ≥140/90, and ≥160/100 mmHg, respectively⁴. Furthermore, the study suggested that high fructose intake caused elevated blood pressure in US adults with no previous history of hypertension.

• Neutral Correlation: In another epidemiological study of 6039 middle-aged adults, consumption of ≥1 soft drink per day showed 18% higher risk of hypertension, a statistic that only bordered the test of significance. However, the study did show a 25%-32% increased chance of obesity, waist circumference, and diabetes⁵.

• No Correlation: One study of three large cohorts of health professionals showed no effect of high fructose intake on hypertension. However, a weakness in the study was that all subjects were indeed health professionals, and as such, their diets did not mirror the general populations⁶. Specifically, 23.6% of the fructose intake in this study was derived from fruit, a statistic not reflective of the general population in the United States, where the majority of sugar intake is derived from added sweeteners⁷.

Animal Studies

Animal studies have shown a convincing correlation between a high fructose diet and hypertension. Three studies are presented here:

• Positive Correlation: In a two-week study performed at Stanford University, rats fed a diet of 66% fructose as a percentage of total calories had a rise in blood pressure of 21 mmHg, from 124±2 to 145±2 mmHg. The control group, fed a normal diet, did not see a rise in hypertension incidence⁸.

• Positive Correlation: The effect of high fructose on hypertension in rats was confirmed in a later study that used 10% fructose in water, equivalent to a diet containing 48-57% fructose. Within one week, the rats showed a rapid rise in hypertension incidence⁹.

• Positive Correlation: Lastly, a study performed at the Mayo Clinic on male dogs showed a strong correlation between HFCS and hypertension. Dogs were fed 60% of their calories as fructose, compared to the control group that fed on dextrose instead. Within 28 days, fructose-feeding dogs had a 22 mmHg rise in blood pressure (from 100.4±1.6 to 122.6±2.3 mmHg). The control did not show an increase in hypertension¹⁰.

Several metabolic syndromes have been studied in relation with High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), including the correlation between Hypertension and High Fructose Corn Syrup. HFCS is an artificial sweetener added to countless foods and beverages, including soda and juice, fruit products, baked goods, cereals, and dairy products¹. HFCS has steadily replaced table sugar (sucrose) in food products, with the main difference being the additional fructose contained in HFCS (as the name implies). HFCS is most frequently composed of 55% fructose and 45% glucose, though it can contain up to 90% fructose. Normal table sugar contains a 1:1 ratio of fructose and glucose. Between the years 1970–1990, HFCS consumption increased between 20-40%, exceeding growth in consumption of any other food product². In the year 2000, corn syrups accounted for 42% of added sweeteners consumed³.

1. Hanover LM, White JS. Manufacturing, composition, and applications of fructose. AM J Clin Nutr. 1993; 58:724S-32S.

2. Havel PJ. Dietary Fructose: implications for dysregulation of energy homeostasis and lipid/carbohydrate metabolism. Nutr Rev. 2005;63(5):133-157.

3. Putnam JJ, Allshouse JE. Food consumption, prices and expenditures, 1970-1997. US Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service statistical bulletin no. 965, April. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. 1999.

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