What is the role of high-fructose corn sugar in chronic disease?
This comprehensive article will discuss the role of high-fructose corn sugar (HFCS), in chronic diseases. In my role as a dietician and nutritionist, I'm often asked what impact certain ingredients or foods have on health. This article will explore how HFCS (a sweetener commonly found in processed foods) can impact our health, and even lead to chronic disease. This article will help you gain a better understanding of HFCS and its health implications. It also provides some tips on how to minimize its negative effects.
It is important to understand how high-fructose corn syrup contributes to chronic illness
The high fructose content of corn syrup makes it a common ingredient in many foods we consume. Food manufacturers like it because it's easy to make, cheap and sweeter than regular sugar. Its consumption is linked to a variety of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, HFCS consumption can lead to dangerous fat cell growth around vital organs. This increases risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Important Points
Understanding that all sugars do not equal each other is important. While the main component of HFCS fructose is found in honey and fruits, fructose is unbound in HFCS and therefore metabolized in a different way. The fructose in HFCS bypasses digestion and is sent straight to the liver, where it can cause long-term disease and damage. The research at Princeton University confirms this information, revealing rats who were given HFCS had significantly higher weight gain than those that received table sugar.
Example of Chronic Diseases Caused by High-Fructose Corn Syrup
- Obesity - HFCS contributes significantly to obesity. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, HFCS causes an increase in body fat in particular in the abdomen and increases fat-triglyceride level, both of which can be risk factors for diabetes and heart disease.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance is a prelude to Type 2 Diabetes, due to the liver's inability of processing high fructose levels in HFCS. A study published in the Journal of Hepatology confirmed this.
- Heart Disease: According to American Heart Association research , excessive consumption of HFCS is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
- Fatty Liver Disease. According to a Journal of Hepatology study , excessive intake of HFCS may contribute to the non-alcoholic fat liver disease.
- Cancer: According to some research , consuming high amounts of HFCS can increase your risk for certain types of cancer, such as pancreatic carcinoma.
More Tips and Suggestions
Consider the following to combat the negative effects of HFCS:
- When possible, choose whole foods that have not been processed. These foods contain HFCS in low amounts.
- Check food labels. The HFCS can be hidden by using different names such as maize syrup or glucose/fructose.
- Sugary beverages should be consumed in moderation. These drinks are usually loaded with HFCS.
- Honey or maple syrup are good alternatives. These alternatives are healthier and less processed.
Conclusion
Conclusion: High fructose Corn Syrup contributes chronic disease by increasing obesity and the risks of Type 2 Diabetes. It also increases heart disease risk, liver disease and certain cancers. To improve our health, it's important to know its presence in the diet and to take measures to reduce its intake.
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