The Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup is the number one source of calories for most Americans. Processed fructose is metabolized completely different in the body compared to sucrose and other sugars. It is one of the leading causes of fatty liver disease, and the diabetes and obesity epidemic. Fructose is processed in the body through the liver, rather than digested in the intestines and this is what makes fructose a dangerous toxic chemical.

Those who consume high-fructose corn syrup gain 48% more weight than those who avoid HFCS. —Princeton University study

The Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup

There are hundreds of adverse health conditions linked to 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.
• High-fructose corn syrup causes liver toxicity, leptin resistance, cellular inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, increased uric acid and extra belly fat!
• A study by the University of Minnesota found that fructose dramatically increases triglycerides.
• High fructose corn syrup is made from genetically-modified corn.
• Another study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, found that fructose alters the body’s balance of magnesium and can lead to increased bone loss.
• Researchers at UCLA found that cancer cells use fructose to multiply and divide. Basically, high fructose corn syrup is a fuel source for cancer cells! While cancer thrives on glucose (sugar) and fructose, it used fructose specifically to proliferate.
• Another UCLA study found that high fructose corn syrup causes brain dysfunction, hampering memory and learning.

It’s no surprise that the 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.

Food and beverages sweetened with HFCS contain high levels of mercury, a known neurotoxin. Even small amounts of mercury can cause neuropathy, neurological conditions, chronic pain, migraines, skin discoloration, high blood pressure, kidney dysfunction and memory problems.

It’s no secret regarding the 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 of obesity and diabetes.

Foods with High Fructose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup is an unhealthy ingredient that is added to all sorts of foods and beverages.

Avoid All Artificial Sweeteners: Splenda, Sucralose, Truvia, Sweet ‘N Low, Equal, Aspartame

And, if you think agave is a healthier option, think again. Consider this: high-fructose corn syrup is 45% glucose and 55% fructose whereas agave is 10% glucose and 90% fructose.

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 every single item you purchase.

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