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What’s So Bad About High-Fructose Corn Syrup Anyway?
By | September 25, 2008
In a study published in the June 4, 2004 edition of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers compared the effects of glucose and fructose on a number of hormonal factors. The test subjects who had fructose showed higher levels of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates eating. In addition, patients who took the fructose-laced drink had a jump in blood fats, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers theorized drinks sweetened with glucose may not foster overeating because the release of insulin from the pancreas is triggered by glucose, which, in turn, tells people they aren’t hungry. Additionally, the liver handles glucose in a much healthier way than fructose. (detailed later)
In an article, published in the November 2002 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, research also compared fructose with glucose, and found that fructose is converted to fat in your liver much more than glucose is.
The article went on to state that animal models show fructose consumption produces:
o Insulin resistance
o Impaired glucose tolerance
o High insulin levels
o High triglycerides
o Hypertension
The Fructose / High Cholesterol Connection
As mentioned above, the liver has a much harder time dealing with fructose than glucose…in fact, fructose can actually impair the function of the liver. The liver also controls your body’s cholesterol levels. The statin drugs for cholesterol lowering work by affecting the liver, and that’s why people taking these drugs need to watch their liver enzyme levels. Researchers theorize that liver damage caused by fructose can lead to higher cholesterol levels.
Well, by now there should be no doubt that fructose consumption is far worse than other types of sugars. Now please understand, I am not recommending you go load up on sugars as long as they aren’t fructose. You still need to watch your sugar intake. Also, I am certainly not recommending artificial sweeteners as a substitute. These have their own laundry list of problems. So what am I recommending instead of soda? Water. If it’s too bland, a lemon or lime wedge can do wonders to enhance the flavor, without causing high cholesterol, obesity or diabetes.
Topics: Food Dangers |
