Negative Effects Of High Fructose Corn Syrup
If you take a look at the labels of most processed foods, you'll probably notice that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is one of the primary ingredients. This syrup has become a staple in the American diet since the 1970s, and it's no coincidence that rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems have skyrocketed since then. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the negative effects of high fructose corn syrup and why you should avoid it.
What Is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that's made by breaking down corn starch into glucose. Enzymes are then added to the mixture to convert some of the glucose into fructose, which is much sweeter than glucose. The resulting syrup typically contains around 42-55% fructose and 45-58% glucose, and it's used as a sweetener in many processed foods and drinks.
Obesity and Weight Gain
One of the most well-known negative effects of high fructose corn syrup is its contribution to obesity and weight gain. Studies have shown that consuming HFCS can lead to increased calorie intake, fat storage, and insulin resistance, all of which can contribute to weight gain and obesity. One study even found that rats fed a diet high in HFCS gained significantly more weight than those fed a diet high in table sugar.
Type 2 Diabetes
Another negative effect of high fructose corn syrup is its contribution to type 2 diabetes. Consuming HFCS can lead to insulin resistance, which means that the body's cells become less responsive to insulin and are less able to take up glucose from the bloodstream. Over time, this can lead to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Disease
High fructose corn syrup has also been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Consuming large amounts of HFCS can lead to high levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream, which can lead to the build-up of plaque in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Some studies have even suggested that HFCS consumption may be a more significant risk factor for heart disease than other types of sugar.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Finally, high fructose corn syrup has been linked to an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Consuming large amounts of HFCS can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver, which can cause inflammation and damage to liver cells over time. This can eventually lead to liver damage and an increased risk of liver disease.
Conclusion
Overall, high fructose corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener that offers very little nutritional value and can have serious negative effects on your health. If you're concerned about your health, it's best to avoid processed foods and drinks that contain HFCS and stick to whole, natural foods instead.