Sugar Blues

Is your sweet tooth harming your health? A number of studies suggest that sugar not only contributes to obesity but also to a number of illnesses. Most recently, a paper presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition indicated that a diet high in fructose contributes to the risk of developing high blood pressure. The researchers looked at 4,528 adults with no history of hypertension and calculated their intake of fructose. Participants who consumed more than 74 grams per day (the equivalent of 2.5 sugary sodas) had an increased risk of hypertension.