Health complications associated with high fructose corn syrup

Read on to know why it is bad for you to consume high fructose corn syrup!

High fructose corn syrup or HFCS is made from corn syrup and is an artificial sugar. It is believed to result in obesity and other serious health conditions. While fructose is naturally available in fruits and vegetables, it is because of its affordability and availability that people are widely using it as a convenient source to sweeten food preparations. Here is why you should avoid consuming this sinful food ingredient.

High in fructose content

HFCS comprises about 50% fructose and 50% glucose content. While the glucose part of it is easily transported and utilized by our body, the fructose in it needs to be converted to glucose, glycogen, or fat before it is used as a fuel.

Fatty liver

Studies state that consumption of high fructose food can increase the risk of fatty liver because it results in the accumulation of liver fat to a greater extent than foods containing glucose. This is because HFCS is metabolized differently than other carbs and even fruits for that matter.

Obesity

According to many studies, excessive consumption of HFCS can result in obesity as fructose does not stimulate the brain to control appetite compared to the glucose-rich drinks. Excessive consumption of fructose-rich foods can also increase visceral fat accumulation and calorie intake.

Diabetes

Excessive consumption of HFCS can lead to insulin resistance as it can gradually make our body resistant to insulin, which decreases the ability of the body to control blood sugar levels and contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes.

Serious health problems

Consumption of HFCS can result in inflammation, which is associated with various health problems including cancer, gout, heart diseases, obesity, and diabetes. Excess intake of fructose also results in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that are very harmful to the cells in our body.

Empty calories

HFCS is loaded with calories and contains no other essential nutrient, which makes it a terrible food ingredient to be consumed.