Grilling this weekend? Some spices may play role in reduced cancer risk

Researchers report that adding certain spices to your burgers before tossing them on the grill this summer will not only add to the flavor of the meat, but they can also cut the risk of cancer long associated with the cooking of beef.
Scientists at Kansas State University found that three spices in particular — fingerroot, rosemary and tumeric — seem to direct the greatest amount of antioxidant activity toward preventing the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs, they note, are the cancer-causing compounds that are produced when foods such as beef are barbecued, grilled, broiled or fried.

Specifically, the three spices appeared to cut back on HCA production by upwards of 40%, the team observed, thereby significantly reducing the HCA-associated risk for developing colorectal, stomach, lung, pancreatic, mammary and prostate cancers.

"Cooked beef tends to develop more HCAs than other kinds of cooked meats such as pork and chicken," KSU food chemistry professor J. Scott Smith noted in a news release. "Cooked beef patties appear to be the cooked meat with the highest mutagenic activity and may be the most important source of HCAs in the human diet."

Therefore Smith and his colleagues looked into the HCA-inhibiting potential of six spices: cumin, coriander seeds, galangal, fingerroot, rosemary and tumeric.

Of all those investigated, rosemary came out on top as the strongest protector against HCA.

The authors suggested that consumers integrate these spices into their menus when appropriate, noting that some, such as rosemary, come in an extract form that has demonstrated HCA inhibition of 61% to 79%.

They pointed out that spicing allows for the sort of high-temperature cooking (above 352 degrees Farenheit) that is typically recommended for safe grilling, while at the same time blocking the increased HCA production that is known to occur when the flames intensify.

Smith and his team plan further research to see what other marinades and powders might do by way of HCA curtailment — they noted that earlier work has shown that marinating steaks with particular herbs and spices effectively lowers HCA production.

Researchers report that adding certain spices to your burgers before tossing them on the grill this summer will not only add to the flavor of the meat, but they can also cut the risk of cancer long associated with the cooking of beef.
Scientists at Kansas State University found that three spices in particular — fingerroot, rosemary and tumeric — seem to direct the greatest amount of antioxidant activity toward preventing the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs, they note, are the cancer-causing compounds that are produced when foods such as beef are barbecued, grilled, broiled or fried.

Specifically, the three spices appeared to cut back on HCA production by upwards of 40%, the team observed, thereby significantly reducing the HCA-associated risk for developing colorectal, stomach, lung, pancreatic, mammary and prostate cancers.

"Cooked beef tends to develop more HCAs than other kinds of cooked meats such as pork and chicken," KSU food chemistry professor J. Scott Smith noted in a news release. "Cooked beef patties appear to be the cooked meat with the highest mutagenic activity and may be the most important source of HCAs in the human diet."

Therefore Smith and his colleagues looked into the HCA-inhibiting potential of six spices: cumin, coriander seeds, galangal, fingerroot, rosemary and tumeric.

Of all those investigated, rosemary came out on top as the strongest protector against HCA.

The authors suggested that consumers integrate these spices into their menus when appropriate, noting that some, such as rosemary, come in an extract form that has demonstrated HCA inhibition of 61% to 79%.

They pointed out that spicing allows for the sort of high-temperature cooking (above 352 degrees Farenheit) that is typically recommended for safe grilling, while at the same time blocking the increased HCA production that is known to occur when the flames intensify.

Smith and his team plan further research to see what other marinades and powders might do by way of HCA curtailment — they noted that earlier work has shown that marinating steaks with particular herbs and spices effectively lowers HCA production.

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A little chocolate might help cut cholesterol

But chocolate lovers shouldn't take the news as license to indulge. Chocolate only helped people who already had risk factors for heart disease, and only when consumed in modest amounts, Dr. Rutai Hui of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College in Beijing and colleagues found.

Several studies have suggested that chocolate may be good for you. One study released in March showed that among 19,300 people, those who ate the most chocolate had lower blood pressure and were less likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack over the next 10 years. But like the new analysis, that research came with caveats; the difference in chocolate consumption between the top and bottom chocolate-consuming groups was around 6 grams, or about one-seventh of a Hershey's milk chocolate bar.

In the new analysis, Hui and colleagues searched the medical literature to find studies that looked at how cocoa affected blood fats, or lipids, and found eight trials including 215 people. When all studies were analyzed together, the researchers found eating cocoa cut levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, by about 6 mg/dL and reduced total cholesterol by the same amount. But cocoa had no effect on cholesterol in the three highest-quality studies.

Further analysis showed that only people who ate small amounts of cocoa, an amount containing 260 milligrams of polyphenols or less, experienced cholesterol lowering effects; people who consumed more showed no effect.

Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, chocolate and red wine. A 1.25-ounce bar of milk chocolate contains about 300 milligrams of polyphenols.

The researchers also found that healthy people didn't get any cholesterol-lowering benefits from cocoa, but people with risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, saw their LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol drop by around 8 mg/dL each.

Eating moderate amounts of cocoa could be "a worthwhile dietary approach" for preventing high cholesterol in certain groups of people, Hui and colleagues conclude in a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

"Future research efforts," they say, "should concentrate on higher-quality and more rigorous randomized trials with longer follow-ups to resolve the uncertainty regarding the clinical effectiveness. Then we can really eat chocolate without feeling guilty."

But chocolate lovers shouldn't take the news as license to indulge. Chocolate only helped people who already had risk factors for heart disease, and only when consumed in modest amounts, Dr. Rutai Hui of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College in Beijing and colleagues found.

Several studies have suggested that chocolate may be good for you. One study released in March showed that among 19,300 people, those who ate the most chocolate had lower blood pressure and were less likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack over the next 10 years. But like the new analysis, that research came with caveats; the difference in chocolate consumption between the top and bottom chocolate-consuming groups was around 6 grams, or about one-seventh of a Hershey's milk chocolate bar.

In the new analysis, Hui and colleagues searched the medical literature to find studies that looked at how cocoa affected blood fats, or lipids, and found eight trials including 215 people. When all studies were analyzed together, the researchers found eating cocoa cut levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, by about 6 mg/dL and reduced total cholesterol by the same amount. But cocoa had no effect on cholesterol in the three highest-quality studies.

Further analysis showed that only people who ate small amounts of cocoa, an amount containing 260 milligrams of polyphenols or less, experienced cholesterol lowering effects; people who consumed more showed no effect.

Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, chocolate and red wine. A 1.25-ounce bar of milk chocolate contains about 300 milligrams of polyphenols.

The researchers also found that healthy people didn't get any cholesterol-lowering benefits from cocoa, but people with risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, saw their LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol drop by around 8 mg/dL each.

Eating moderate amounts of cocoa could be "a worthwhile dietary approach" for preventing high cholesterol in certain groups of people, Hui and colleagues conclude in a report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

"Future research efforts," they say, "should concentrate on higher-quality and more rigorous randomized trials with longer follow-ups to resolve the uncertainty regarding the clinical effectiveness. Then we can really eat chocolate without feeling guilty."

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MRSA in Cats in Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs

Coughlan K, Olsen KE, Boxrud D, et al. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in resident animals of a long-term care facility. Zoonoses and Public Health 2010;57:220-226.

Many hospitals and long-term care facilities allow visitation by pets or animal-assisted therapy programs for benefit to the elderly or chronically ill patients. Concern exists regarding transmission of infectious agents between pets and patients. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), can lead to life-threatening illness, but little is known about potential carriage of these bacteria in animals at long-term care facilities. The investigators collected nasal swab samples from 12 animals (one dog, 11 cats) weekly for eight weeks at a facility, and characterized the S. aureus isolates for antibiotic resistance. They found two of the 11 cats were colonized with MRSA (one cat in 5/8 samples, the other in 2/8 samples). All isolates were health care-associated strains. They concluded that animals at these facilities may acquire MRSA from patients, as human cases on the floors visited by these cats had occurred. It is believed that carriage of MRSA by animals is transient, thus these cats will likely clear the bacteria. While this study presents only a brief snapshot at one facility, these findings demonstrate the need for good hand hygiene, as well as for monitoring resident animals at these facilities. The benefits of human-animal interactions at these facilities far outweighs the potential risks, but guidelines should be in place at these facilities to minimize the risk for patients and staff. [MK]

Related articles:
Soares Magalhaes RJ, Loeffler A, Lindsay J, et al. Risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureau (MRSA) infection in dogs and cats: a case-control study. Vet Res 2010;41:55.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Coughlan K, Olsen KE, Boxrud D, et al. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in resident animals of a long-term care facility. Zoonoses and Public Health 2010;57:220-226.

Many hospitals and long-term care facilities allow visitation by pets or animal-assisted therapy programs for benefit to the elderly or chronically ill patients. Concern exists regarding transmission of infectious agents between pets and patients. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), can lead to life-threatening illness, but little is known about potential carriage of these bacteria in animals at long-term care facilities. The investigators collected nasal swab samples from 12 animals (one dog, 11 cats) weekly for eight weeks at a facility, and characterized the S. aureus isolates for antibiotic resistance. They found two of the 11 cats were colonized with MRSA (one cat in 5/8 samples, the other in 2/8 samples). All isolates were health care-associated strains. They concluded that animals at these facilities may acquire MRSA from patients, as human cases on the floors visited by these cats had occurred. It is believed that carriage of MRSA by animals is transient, thus these cats will likely clear the bacteria. While this study presents only a brief snapshot at one facility, these findings demonstrate the need for good hand hygiene, as well as for monitoring resident animals at these facilities. The benefits of human-animal interactions at these facilities far outweighs the potential risks, but guidelines should be in place at these facilities to minimize the risk for patients and staff. [MK]

Related articles:
Soares Magalhaes RJ, Loeffler A, Lindsay J, et al. Risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureau (MRSA) infection in dogs and cats: a case-control study. Vet Res 2010;41:55.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
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Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Feline Asthma

Nafe L, Declue AE, Lee-Fowler TM, et al. Evaluation of biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for discrimination between asthma and chronic bronchitis in cats. Am J Vet Res 2010;71:583-591.

Allergic asthma and chronic bronchitis are two common inflammatory conditions that affect the lower airways of cats. It is suggested that asthma in cats is allergic in nature and similar to human allergic asthma that is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled aeroallergens. Chronic bronchitis is thought to be secondary to a previous insult (e.g., infection or inhaled irritants) that damages the airways. Because chronic asthma can damage airways, there is often overlap between these conditions. The study screened the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from a mix of 97 client-owned and research cats with naturally occurring asthma or chronic bronchitis and healthy control cats. The objective was to evaluate the BALF samples for concentrations of interleukin-4, interferin-gamma, tumor necrosis factor, and total nitric oxide metabolites as inflammatory biomarkers for discrimination between asthma and chronic bronchitis in cats. Current diagnostic tests in practice that attempt to differentiate these conditions include thoracic radiography and cytologic analysis of BALF. Both of these testing methods are problematic in discriminating between these diseases. The results of this particular study indicate that the inflammatory mediators investigated did not appear to be useful in differentiation between cats with naturally occurring allergic asthma and those with chronic bronchitis. The authors believe future studies should focus on validating a technique increasing the sensitivity of the currently available feline-specific cytokine assays to determine if this will overcome one possible limitation of the study. [VT]

Related articles:
Cohn LA, DeClue AE, Cohen RL, et al. Effects of fluticasone propionate dosage in an experimental model of feline asthma. J Feline Med Surg 2010;12:91-96.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Nafe L, Declue AE, Lee-Fowler TM, et al. Evaluation of biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for discrimination between asthma and chronic bronchitis in cats. Am J Vet Res 2010;71:583-591.

Allergic asthma and chronic bronchitis are two common inflammatory conditions that affect the lower airways of cats. It is suggested that asthma in cats is allergic in nature and similar to human allergic asthma that is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled aeroallergens. Chronic bronchitis is thought to be secondary to a previous insult (e.g., infection or inhaled irritants) that damages the airways. Because chronic asthma can damage airways, there is often overlap between these conditions. The study screened the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from a mix of 97 client-owned and research cats with naturally occurring asthma or chronic bronchitis and healthy control cats. The objective was to evaluate the BALF samples for concentrations of interleukin-4, interferin-gamma, tumor necrosis factor, and total nitric oxide metabolites as inflammatory biomarkers for discrimination between asthma and chronic bronchitis in cats. Current diagnostic tests in practice that attempt to differentiate these conditions include thoracic radiography and cytologic analysis of BALF. Both of these testing methods are problematic in discriminating between these diseases. The results of this particular study indicate that the inflammatory mediators investigated did not appear to be useful in differentiation between cats with naturally occurring allergic asthma and those with chronic bronchitis. The authors believe future studies should focus on validating a technique increasing the sensitivity of the currently available feline-specific cytokine assays to determine if this will overcome one possible limitation of the study. [VT]

Related articles:
Cohn LA, DeClue AE, Cohen RL, et al. Effects of fluticasone propionate dosage in an experimental model of feline asthma. J Feline Med Surg 2010;12:91-96.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Rheumatoid arthritis 'on the rise in women'

One of the most common forms of arthritis is on the rise among women in the US, according to a study.

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota say rheumatoid arthritis cases rose 2.5% between 1995 and 2007, after 40 years of decline, but fell among men in the same 12-year period,

Rheumatoid arthritis affects around 350,000 people in the UK.

The condition is a form of arthritis which happens when the body's immune system attacks joints.

This causes pain and swelling, which can lead to problems with mobility.

It often starts between 40 and 50 years of age and women are three times more likely to be affected by the condition than men.

The study looked at cases of rheumatoid arthritis in Minnesota between 1995 and 2007.

They examined the medical records of 1,761 residents in Olmsted County.

They found cases of rheumatoid arthritis increased by 2.5% per year from 1995 to 2007, while it fell in men by 0.5%.

Study leader Dr Sherine Gabriel said: "We observed a modest increase of rheumatoid arthritis incidence in women during the study period, which followed a sharp decline in incidence during the previous four decades."

Previous studies have found a link between cigarette smoking and rheumatoid arthritis.

Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with the development of the condition.

Commenting on the work, published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, Ailsa Bosworth, Chief Executive of UK charity the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, said the findings were a concern.

She said: "I would like to assure people living with rheumatoid arthritis that in the last 10 years due in part to the use of biological therapies and tighter control of the disease at an earlier stage that more and more people with this long-term condition are managing to stay working and live very full productive lives.

"However more definitely needs to be done to raise public awareness of rheumatoid arthritis and that people raise their risk of developing the disease if they smoke."

One of the most common forms of arthritis is on the rise among women in the US, according to a study.

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota say rheumatoid arthritis cases rose 2.5% between 1995 and 2007, after 40 years of decline, but fell among men in the same 12-year period,

Rheumatoid arthritis affects around 350,000 people in the UK.

The condition is a form of arthritis which happens when the body's immune system attacks joints.

This causes pain and swelling, which can lead to problems with mobility.

It often starts between 40 and 50 years of age and women are three times more likely to be affected by the condition than men.

The study looked at cases of rheumatoid arthritis in Minnesota between 1995 and 2007.

They examined the medical records of 1,761 residents in Olmsted County.

They found cases of rheumatoid arthritis increased by 2.5% per year from 1995 to 2007, while it fell in men by 0.5%.

Study leader Dr Sherine Gabriel said: "We observed a modest increase of rheumatoid arthritis incidence in women during the study period, which followed a sharp decline in incidence during the previous four decades."

Previous studies have found a link between cigarette smoking and rheumatoid arthritis.

Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with the development of the condition.

Commenting on the work, published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, Ailsa Bosworth, Chief Executive of UK charity the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, said the findings were a concern.

She said: "I would like to assure people living with rheumatoid arthritis that in the last 10 years due in part to the use of biological therapies and tighter control of the disease at an earlier stage that more and more people with this long-term condition are managing to stay working and live very full productive lives.

"However more definitely needs to be done to raise public awareness of rheumatoid arthritis and that people raise their risk of developing the disease if they smoke."

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Feline Coronavirus Persistence in Healthy Cats

Kipar A, Meli ML, Baptiste KE, et al. Sites of feline coronavirus persistence in healthy cats. J Gen Virol March 17, 2010.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV), the agent of FIP, is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Some cats infected with FCoV do not clear the virus, and shed the virus either persistently or intermittently. These cats are important sources of the virus in cat populations. These investigators examined the tissues of infected cats in order to identify the organ site of viral persistence in healthy carriers. Overall, the colon tested positive for virus more than any other tissue over time. Interestingly, all organs, including brain and skin, tested positive for virus in at least one cat during the investigatory period, indicating that FCoV infection disseminates to many organs during infection, even in healthy cats. Cats shedding the virus were found to be infected not only in the colon, but also in the small intestine (jejunum and ileum); in addition, the amount of virus present was an important determinant of shedding in feces, with higher amounts leading to viral shedding as one would expect. While the colon was the primary site for viral persistence and the source of continued shedding over the long-term, spread of the virus to the small intestines appears to be necessary for detectable fecal shedding. This would explain the intermittent nature of virus shedding in carrier cats. In addition, it was found that other tissues outside the gut may remain persistently infected as well, and could serve as a source for recurrent viremia. Most commonly, the mesenteric, or abdominal lymph nodes, and liver were sites of viral persistence. In these tissues, it appears that the resident macrophages are the specific cells involved. Thus, even cats that clear the virus from the intestines may remain virus-infected. [MK]

Related articles:
Goodson TL, Randell SC, Moore LE. Feline infectious peritonitis. Compend Contin Educ Vet 2009;31.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
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Kipar A, Meli ML, Baptiste KE, et al. Sites of feline coronavirus persistence in healthy cats. J Gen Virol March 17, 2010.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV), the agent of FIP, is transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Some cats infected with FCoV do not clear the virus, and shed the virus either persistently or intermittently. These cats are important sources of the virus in cat populations. These investigators examined the tissues of infected cats in order to identify the organ site of viral persistence in healthy carriers. Overall, the colon tested positive for virus more than any other tissue over time. Interestingly, all organs, including brain and skin, tested positive for virus in at least one cat during the investigatory period, indicating that FCoV infection disseminates to many organs during infection, even in healthy cats. Cats shedding the virus were found to be infected not only in the colon, but also in the small intestine (jejunum and ileum); in addition, the amount of virus present was an important determinant of shedding in feces, with higher amounts leading to viral shedding as one would expect. While the colon was the primary site for viral persistence and the source of continued shedding over the long-term, spread of the virus to the small intestines appears to be necessary for detectable fecal shedding. This would explain the intermittent nature of virus shedding in carrier cats. In addition, it was found that other tissues outside the gut may remain persistently infected as well, and could serve as a source for recurrent viremia. Most commonly, the mesenteric, or abdominal lymph nodes, and liver were sites of viral persistence. In these tissues, it appears that the resident macrophages are the specific cells involved. Thus, even cats that clear the virus from the intestines may remain virus-infected. [MK]

Related articles:
Goodson TL, Randell SC, Moore LE. Feline infectious peritonitis. Compend Contin Educ Vet 2009;31.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter

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Fewer sugary drinks may lower blood pressure: study

They found overweight people with high blood pressure who drank one less sugar-laden beverage a day significantly lowered their blood pressure over 18 months.

For most Americans this means cutting soft drink intake in half.

"We found if you lower your consumption of sugary drinks, it may help you reduce your blood pressure," said Dr. Liwei Chen of Louisiana State University Health Science Center, whose findings appear in the journal Circulation.

"If you reduce your consumption by two servings, you would probably lower your blood pressure even more," Chen said in a telephone interview.

The study adds to mounting pressure on U.S. food and beverage companies as newly passed health reform legislation shifts the nation's focus on ways to prevent disease as well as treat it.


Too much sugar not only makes people fatter, but is also a key culprit in diabetes, heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association.

Several states, including New York and California, have weighed a tax on sweetened soft drinks to defray the cost of treating obesity-related diseases.

A report by the U.S. Institute of Medicine in February declared high blood pressure a "neglected disease" in the United States, accounting for one in six deaths and adding $73 billion a year in health costs.

Chen's study looked specifically at the effect of sugar intake on blood pressure. The team used data on 810 adults aged 25 to 79 with borderline high blood pressure -- readings of 120/80 to 139/89 -- and stage I hypertension -- readings of 140/90 and 159/99

At the start of the study, people drank 10.5 ounces (310 ml), or roughly one serving, of sweetened beverages a day. They included drinks sweetened with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup such as soft drinks, fruit drinks and lemonade.

After 18 months, average consumption had fallen by half a serving, and both the systolic blood pressure -- the "top number" blood pressure reading when the heart beats -- and diastolic blood pressure -- the "bottom number" reading between beats -- had fallen significantly.

They said drinking one less soft drink a day resulted in a 1.8 millimeters of mercury drop in systolic pressure and cut diastolic pressure by 1.1 millimeters of mercury.

"Weight loss is part of the reason but not all," Chen said, noting that even after controlling for that, the improvement in blood pressure was statistically significant.

She said American adults drink an average of 2.3 servings (28 ounces/828 ml) of sugar-sweetened beverages per day.

The American Beverage Association says sugar-sweetened drinks do not pose any particular health risk, and are not a unique risk factor for obesity or heart disease.

They found overweight people with high blood pressure who drank one less sugar-laden beverage a day significantly lowered their blood pressure over 18 months.

For most Americans this means cutting soft drink intake in half.

"We found if you lower your consumption of sugary drinks, it may help you reduce your blood pressure," said Dr. Liwei Chen of Louisiana State University Health Science Center, whose findings appear in the journal Circulation.

"If you reduce your consumption by two servings, you would probably lower your blood pressure even more," Chen said in a telephone interview.

The study adds to mounting pressure on U.S. food and beverage companies as newly passed health reform legislation shifts the nation's focus on ways to prevent disease as well as treat it.


Too much sugar not only makes people fatter, but is also a key culprit in diabetes, heart disease and stroke, according to the American Heart Association.

Several states, including New York and California, have weighed a tax on sweetened soft drinks to defray the cost of treating obesity-related diseases.

A report by the U.S. Institute of Medicine in February declared high blood pressure a "neglected disease" in the United States, accounting for one in six deaths and adding $73 billion a year in health costs.

Chen's study looked specifically at the effect of sugar intake on blood pressure. The team used data on 810 adults aged 25 to 79 with borderline high blood pressure -- readings of 120/80 to 139/89 -- and stage I hypertension -- readings of 140/90 and 159/99

At the start of the study, people drank 10.5 ounces (310 ml), or roughly one serving, of sweetened beverages a day. They included drinks sweetened with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup such as soft drinks, fruit drinks and lemonade.

After 18 months, average consumption had fallen by half a serving, and both the systolic blood pressure -- the "top number" blood pressure reading when the heart beats -- and diastolic blood pressure -- the "bottom number" reading between beats -- had fallen significantly.

They said drinking one less soft drink a day resulted in a 1.8 millimeters of mercury drop in systolic pressure and cut diastolic pressure by 1.1 millimeters of mercury.

"Weight loss is part of the reason but not all," Chen said, noting that even after controlling for that, the improvement in blood pressure was statistically significant.

She said American adults drink an average of 2.3 servings (28 ounces/828 ml) of sugar-sweetened beverages per day.

The American Beverage Association says sugar-sweetened drinks do not pose any particular health risk, and are not a unique risk factor for obesity or heart disease.

Read More