A study published in *Circulation* found that high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and fruit juice is associated with an increased risk of hypertension.Researchers analyzed data from 25,749 participants in the Growing Up Today Study, tracking their dietary habits over up to 25 years.

The study revealed that individuals consuming ≥ two servings of SSBs daily had a 52% higher risk of developing hypertension compared to those with less than three servings per week.Similarly, high fruit juice intake (≥1.5 servings/day) was linked to a 35% increased risk.

However, replacing one serving of SSB with milk, water, or whole fruit reduced hypertension risk by 13-22%, while substituting fruit juice with whole fruit lowered the risk by 19%.The study emphasizes that while moderate fruit juice consumption may be harmless, excessive intake could be harmful.Whole fruits are recommended over sugary beverages due to their fiber and nutrient content.

Authors noted no significant association between total fructose intake and hypertension, highlighting the importance of beverage type over overall sugar consumption.