Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup
High-fructose corn syrup is the number one source of calories for most Americans. Fructose is processed completely different in the body than sucrose and other sugars leading to fatty liver disease, increased abdominal fat, insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, and many other serious health problems.
According to a study at Princeton University, those who consume high-fructose corn syrup gain 48 percent more weight than those who avoid HFCS.
And, if you think agave is a healthier option, think again. High-fructose corn syrup is 45% glucose and 55% fructose whereas agave is 10% glucose and 90% fructose.
There are hundreds of adverse health affects associated with excessive consumption of high-fructose corn syrup. Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consumption of high-fructose corn syrup is linked to fatty liver disease, hypertension, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In addition, high-fructose corn syrup causes liver toxicity, leptin resistance, increases inflammation, uric acid and oxidative stress, and increases belly fat!
- A study by the University of Minnesota found that fructose causes significantly higher triglycerides versus glucose.
- Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles found that cancer cells use fructose to divide and multiply. Basically, high-fructose corn syrup is a fuel source for cancer cells. While cancer thrives on glucose and fructose, it uses fructose specifically to proliferate.
- A UCLA study found that high-fructose corn syrup causes brain dysfunction, hampering memory and learning.
- The liver is the only organ that can metabolize fructose in significant amounts, overloading the liver.
- Researchers have suggested that the rising intake of fructose, primarily from foods containing added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup “should be considered an environmental toxin with major health implications,” as it has been associated with a dramatic increase in individuals developing metabolic syndrome and kidney disease.
Food products sweetened with HFCS contain high levels of mercury, a known neurotoxin. Even small amounts of mercury can cause symptoms like neuropathy, neurological conditions, chronic pain, migraines, skin discoloration, high blood pressure, kidney dysfunction and memory problems.
It’s no secret that there’s a link between abdominal fat and a higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Kids who consume a lot of fructose are being set up for a life-long struggle with these diseases – Diabesity.
Fructose diminishes your feelings of fullness (causing you to eat more) because it doesn’t stimulate a rise in leptin, one of the most powerful hunger and fat storage regulators in your body.
Obesity and diabetes are at an all time high. Isn’t it ironic that consumption of HFCS has risen 250% in the past 15 years, and the rate of diabetes has increased approximately 45% during the same time period?
Reading the ingredients list is the only way you're going to know if HFCS aka ‘corn sugar’ are hidden in that product you’re buying at the supermarket.
HFCS is EVERYWHERE. You’ll find HFCS in processed foods, fruit drinks, fast food, sodas, the syrup that goes into your Latte from Starbucks, chewing gum, baked goods, and in many other foods you’d never even imagine. Here is a detailed list of items with HFCS – you’ll be surprised!
Avoid All Artificial Sweeteners. Splenda, Truvia, Sweet ‘N Low, Equal, Aspartame
A natural and healthier alternative is Stevia. Once again, it’s important to read the list of ingredients, even on Stevia. I like Sweetleaf Stevia, the green packs.
As I’ve said hundreds of times before, get into the habit of reading the list of ingredients on products.
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