Devastating disease markers rise when this dietary component is widely consumed

The source of a major health crisis is lurking in our food supply.

Last week I told you how just a small daily intake of high fructose corn syrup might significantly increase type 2 diabetes risk.

But what was once considered a disease of middle and later years is now dipping down all the way to the teens.

Researchers from Georgia Health Sciences University analyzed HFCS consumption, dietary history, and body fat measurements of more than 550 teenagers.

Results were devastating.

HFCS consumption was linked with higher fasting glucose, higher insulin resistance, higher blood pressure, and higher inflammatory markers for heart disease.

All of these conditions were more pronounced in kids with visceral adiposity — a buildup of belly fat.

I was happy to see that the GHSU press release contained no suggestion of treating those kids with statin drugs. Just some down-to-earth advice about getting regular physical activity and consuming foods and drinks with no HFCS.

That’s excellent advice for teens, pre-teens and for us post-teens too.

Sources:
“High fructose consumption by adolescents may put them at cardiovascular risk” Georgia Health Sciences University Press Release, 1/24/12, eurekalert.org