Artificial Sweetener May Lower Blood Pressure

Nov. 20, 2009 (Orlando, Fla.) -- An artificial sweetener that's been shown
to help people shed unwanted pounds may also lower blood pressure and cholesterol
levels in people with mild or borderline high blood pressure, Chinese
researchers report.
The sugar substitute is called oligofructose, or OFS. It's used to replace
fat or sugar and reduce the calories of foods like ice cream, dairy products,
and baked goods. OFS has about 30% to 50% of the sweetness of table sugar,
according to the FDA.
The study involved 96 adults, ages 32 to 63, with mild or borderline
hypertension. That means their systolic blood pressure reading (top number) was
120 to 139 and/or their diastolic (bottom number) reading was 80 to 89.
The condition, also referred to as prehypertension, is a warning sign you
may get high blood pressure -- a risk factor for heart attack and stroke
-- in the future.




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