Ping
The research, which was supported by a grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, analyzed dietary intake and blood pressure of 810 adults measured at baseline, 6 and 18 months. After known risk factors of high blood pressure were controlled for, a reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption of one serving per day was associated with a drop of 1.8 mm Hg in systolic pressure and 1.1 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure over 18 months.
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Normal blood pressure, measured in millimeters of mercury, is defined as systolic (top number) less than 120 and diastolic (bottom number) less than 80. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a systolic pressure of 140 or higher and a diastolic pressure of 90 or higher. Pressures falling in the range between are considered to be prehypertension.
Okay, I can see that there is less than two points reduction after 18 months of reducing sugar drinks by one serving per day.
Hardly seems worth it. In fact, that could be the normal variable for other factors. Is this the state of science today?
The effect may seem small, but that doesn't mean it isn't real. I wouldn't mind seeing the results replicated and extended to sugared candies and deserts.