Sugary Drinks and Blood Pressure

Sugary drinks are terrible stuff.  They increase the risk of diabetes, obesity and are nutritionally bankrupt.  A new study shows that it may also increase blood pressure.

This article states that the average American drinks 2.3 sugary beverages per day.  This is in addition to the  sugar we take in our cookies, pies, cakes and the refined carbohydrates in our white breads, pastas and other treats.  Lowering sugar intake cut both diastolic and systolic readings in participants.

While the total decline in blood pressure isn't mind-blowing, keep in mind that cutting sugar consumption will also decrease weight, decrease inflammation, help manage insulin resistance and a host of other things that one wouldn't directly related to blood pressure.  Taken as a package, it seems a good idea to drop the sugary beverages.

Soda Tax

I've written about a so called, "fat tax" in previous posts.  Another concept thrown around every few years is the idea of a "soda tax."  Proponents argue that taxing sodas approximately 1 cent per ounce would "kill two birds with one stone."  First, it would raise much needed revenue.  Second, it would potentially decrease soda consumption and improve the health of individuals in that area.

While there has been some debate on the efficacy of a soda tax, it's been in the news recently as Washington DC recently wrestled with the idea of implementing a soda tax within the district.  

I read this Wall Street Journal blog recently that shared some good information and wanted to pass it along.