Warning: New Threats from Fructose/Corn Syrup
By Sandy Schroeder
Most of us have some kind of sweet tooth, but Drs. Mehmet Oz and Michael Roizen just pointed out new dangers for fructose, especially in high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
If you can't get started in the morning or keep going throughout the day without strong coffee with a shot of flavored high-fructose corn syrup, you should heed these warnings.
Look at the Numbers and Impact
Average Americans consume over 20 pounds of HFCS each year, plus 40 pounds of refined cane and beet sugar
- Obesity is likely
- Diabetes may result
- Liver damage frequently happens
New Threats to the Immune System
Now researchers say fructose also damages the immune system. Study reports in Nature Communications show a regular diet of fructose and HFCS can alter metabolism triggering a false inflammation response that can damage internal organs.
Talk with your doctor about your health numbers and current diet. Then start shopping and eating differently.
What to Delete Starting Now
The fructose in fresh fruit is not a worry, but here are some foods to avoid. (Check the ingredient label to be sure.)
- Many salad dressings
- Sweetened yogurts
- Frozen pizza
- Sweetened condiments such as catsup
- Sweetened sodas, teas, energy and sports drinks
- Packaged baked goods such as muffins, pastries, cakes
- Sweetened applesauce
Look at the Benefits of No Fructose
When you give up all of the fructose and high-fructose corn syrup, you may feel a lot better. You skin may gleam and you may feel stronger. You may also lower the risk for chronic disease and live longer. When in doubt, always check ingredient labels.
Turn Over a New Leaf
At the same time, rethink your diet with a visit to a local farmers market to enjoy all of these naturally sweet worry-free fresh choices.
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Pineapple
- Peaches
- Apples
- Oranges
- Kiwi fruit
Do It Yourself
To really step away from fructose and HFCS, consider making more meals and baking at home with fresh fruits and vegetables. Look for specific recipes in sites like Epicurious.com and enjoy healthy sweets like banana, zucchini or pumpkin bread and berry tarts. At the same time, whip up some new smoothies with fresh or frozen fruits.
Don't expect your sweet tooth to disappear, but you may be surprised at how your taste for sweetness changes. If you cut out much of the fructose in your diet, fresh fruit may taste much sweeter and former treats like flavored syrup in coffee may taste too sweet. Keep right going and enjoy your new diet.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chula Vista, Calif.