 Fructose May Lead to High Blood Pressure Source: Newsmax Health, Posted: 09/24/2009 by VP Staff A diet high in a form of sugar found in sweetened soft drinks and junk food raises blood pressure among men, according to a University of Colorado at Denver study. This was one of two studies released Sept 23 providing the first evidence that fructose helps raise blood pressure. The second study, which measured fructose intake in mice, suggested that people who consume junk foods and sweetened soft drinks at night could gain weight faster than those who don't. "These results suggest that excessive fructose intake may have a role in the worldwide epidemic of obesity and diabetes," said Dr. Richard Johnson of the University of Colorado-Denver, who studied the link between blood pressure and men. Fructose accounts for about half the sugar molecules in table sugar and in high-fructose corn syrup, the sweetener used in many packaged foods. The American Heart Association says women should eat no more than 100 calories of added processed sugar per day, or six teaspoons while most men should keep it to just 150 calories or nine teaspoons. On average Americans consume 22 teaspoons or 355 calories of added sugar each day. Heart Patients Beware of Flu Season Source: Newsmax Health, Posted: 09/22/2009 by VP Staff Heart patients who catch the flu may be in danger of a heart attack, new research shows from Great Britain shows. Doctors said swine flu isn't any more dangerous than regular flu, but it's important for heart patients to get vaccinated because more flu viruses will be circulating this year. British researchers analyzed 39 previous studies of heart patients and found a consistent link between flu and heart attacks, according to the study published in the British medical journal, The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Up to half of all unexpected flu deaths were due to heart disease, the researchers found. "The message here is so strong and so logical that it's hard for us to ignore," said Dr. Ralph Brindis, vice president of the American College of Cardiology. "If we can convince cardiac patients to get a flu vaccine, that could ultimately save lives." Flu viruses cause inflammation in the body, usually in the lungs. But they can also cause swelling in the heart itself or in the coronary arteries, which could lead to dangerous clots breaking off and causing a heart attack. Once heart patients get the flu, they are also more vulnerable to complications like pneumonia and other infections. Only about one-third of heart patients in the U.S. regularly get vaccinated. Cutting Back on Sugar Good for Heart Source: Circulation, Posted: 09/09/2009 by VP Staff Sugar and spice is nice, but is better for you without the sugar, according to the American Heart Association. The AHA is reporting that Americans are swallowing 22 teaspoons of sugar each day, and most of that added sugar comes from soft drinks and candy - a whopping 355 calories. Cakes, cookies and pies follow soft drinks and candy as the worst sugar culpits. The AHA says that most women should get no more than 6 teaspoons (100 calories) a day, while men should limit themselves to 9 teaspoons a day. The guidelines don't apply to natural sugars found in fruit, vegetables or dairy products. Rachel K. Johnson, lead author of the study published in the the AHA journal Circulation, said it was time for specifics on how much sugar Americans should be ingesting. Judging one's sugar intake can be difficult, however, as the government doesn't require labels to distinguish added sugars from naturally occurring sugars. To check for added sugar, check labels for ingredients including sugar, corn syrup, fructoses, dextrose, molasses or evaporated cane juice.
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