You've heard about the dangers of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This corn-based sweetener is used in many processed foods, and recent studies suggest that it is a major contributor to increasing obesity rates. Now, studies show that a diet high in fructose may also contribute to high blood pressure, which puts you at greater risk for heart and kidney diseases.

In the last 20 years, our intake of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has increased dramatically, paralleling a similar increase in obesity rates. Just 100 years ago, our fructose intake was roughly a quarter of what it is now, and obesity rates were limited to just 5% of the population. Now, studies show that in addition to HFCS being linked to obesity, there is also evidence to show that there is a correlation between HFCS intake and hypertension.

A study from the University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center examined 4528 adults with no prior history of high blood pressure. By monitoring the subjects' fructose intake, primarily in the form of sweetened soft drinks, candy, fruit juices, and even baked goods, the research team determined that fructose ingested in the form of added sweeteners were linked to higher blood pressure levels. Specifically, adults who consumed more than 74 grams of fructose every day were at increased risk of developing high blood pressure. 74 grams of fructose corresponds roughly to 2.5 sweet soft drinks per day. It remains to be seen, through further studies, whether reducing the fructose in your diet can help to lower your blood pressure.

Although fructose is certainly not the only contributing factor to skyrocketing obesity and high blood pressure rates, it is worthwhile to limit your fructose intake, knowing that fructose causes numerous undesirable effects. Unlike its sugary cousin, glucose, fructose can cause your uric acid levels to spike, which can block the effectiveness of insulin to regulate how sugar is metabolized in your body. Fructose may also block the production of leptin, a hormone that tells your brain that you have eaten enough; this in turn may cause you to overeat. High levels of fructose consumption may lead to type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and other health conditions.

In terms of high levels of HFCS, processed foods are the biggest culprit, particularly sweetened soft drinks. High levels of fructose are also found in products such as ketchup, fruit juices, pastries, processed snacks, and table sugar. To cut down on your fructose intake, limit your consumption of sweets, including drinks, and try to cook at home more often. Be vigilant about reading labels, avoiding foods with high levels of HFCS.

Read more here about the Dangers of High-Fructose Corn Syrup.