The Dangers of HFCS
The Dangers of HFCS
If you see the words “high fructose corn syrup” (HFCS) on a food ingredients panel, drop it, run, and don’t look back.
A 2004 study demonstrated that the steady rise in consumption of refined carbohydrates (specifically, HFCS) during the 20th Century parallels the decrease of fiber intake and the upward trend of type 2 diabetes.
Now a new study – presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases – shows that HFCS may have a toxic effect on the liver. This isn’t entirely a surprise. Previous studies show that a heavy intake of HFCS may promote non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – a key factor in the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
In this most recent study, researchers tested the effects of different sugars on mice. Results showed that HFCS intake resulted in increased oxidative stress and an excess caloric intake, even though food intake dropped.
These results are very similar to a human study I told you about in the e-Alert “Soft and Sweet” (6/22/04). In that study, subjects who drank HFCS also showed “a rapid and prolonged elevation of plasma triglycerides.”
Of course, one of the biggest problems with HFCS is that it’s used in a wide range of processed foods. So while it’s a very good idea to avoid soft drinks and sweetened beverages in general, it’s also wise to check those ingredient labels to make sure you’re getting as little HFCS as possible.
