A research team at the National Cancer Center analyzed 250 regions across the country and found that the higher the convenience store density, the higher the prevalence of hypertension. For every additional convenience store per 1,000 residents, the prevalence of hypertension increased by an average of 0.968%. The research team analyzed that accessibility to high-sodium, high-calorie processed foods, alcohol, and cigarettes sold at convenience stores could affect blood pressure elevation. This study suggests that not only individual dietary habits but also the surrounding food environment can be related to the risk of chronic diseases, and emphasizes the need to expand healthy convenience food options such as low-salt lunch boxes at convenience stores and make it easier for consumers to check nutritional information.
