Highfructose corn syrup is a key driver of chronic disease from "summary" of Fat Chance by Robert H. Lustig
High-fructose corn syrup is not just another sugar. It has a unique combination of chemical properties that make it particularly harmful to health. While glucose can be metabolized by every cell in the body, fructose can only be metabolized by the liver. This means that excessive consumption of fructose can overload the liver and lead to a host of metabolic problems. One of the main issues with high-fructose corn syrup is its effect on insulin resistance. When we consume too much fructose, the liver becomes overwhelmed and starts converting it into fat. This fat can accumulate in the liver, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that is strongly associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In addition, excess fat in the liver can spill over into the bloodstream, causing high levels of triglycerides and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. But the problems with high-fructose corn syrup don't stop there. Unlike glucose, which suppresses the hunger hormone ghrelin and stimulates the satiety hormone leptin, fructose does not have the same effect on these hormones. This means that consuming foods and beverages high in fructose can lead to overeating and weight gain. And since excess weight is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, it's easy to see how high-fructose corn syrup can be a key driver of these conditions. Furthermore, high-fructose corn syrup has been shown to have detrimental effects on the gut microbiome. Studies have found that a diet high in fructose can alter the composition of gut bacteria, leading to inflammation and an increased risk of metabolic disorders. This disruption of the gut microbiome can further contribute to the development of chronic diseases.- High-fructose corn syrup is not just a harmless sweetener. Its unique properties make it a significant driver of chronic disease. By understanding the metabolic effects of fructose and its impact on insulin resistance, weight gain, cardiovascular health, and gut health, we can make more informed choices about our diet and reduce our risk of developing these serious health conditions.
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