Fructose (high fructose corn syrup or HFCS) is one of the worst. The body doesn’t know what to do with it. Yet, fructose is healthy in fruit because it is in relatively low amounts and the fruit has fiber which slows sugar absorption into the blood stream.

When fructose is joined molecularly to glucose, it becomes sucrose. Sucrose is in sugar cane, sugar beets, corn, and more. When refined, sucrose is what turns into table sugar.

Refined sugar is called sucrose. But, it is composed of half glucose and half fructose. HFCS is approximately 55% fructose and around 45% glucose.

HFCS makes fat accumulate in the cells of ones liver. It can cause fatty liver disease. The fat around the stomach and deeper surrounding organs is the most dangerous fat.

Fruit sugar (fructose) is OK directly from eating fruits and vegetables. The problem develops when we get huge amounts from refined sugar like in soft drinks and candy. Glucose does not do this. Simply put, drinking or eating anything with fructose is like consuming fat. The fat you eat is the fat you will wear.

HFCS is added to breakfast cereals, pastries, sodas, fruit drinks, and other sweet foods and beverages. They are loaded with astronomical amounts of high fructose corn syrup. Why? It’s cheap.

The liver uses fructose (a simple carbohydrate) to make fat. If you flood the liver with it, fat begins to accumulate in its cells. Fatty liver disease can be present in those who are not yet obese or diabetic. High fructose intake causes insulin resistance, which is what comes before you get diabetes.

The liver regulates glucose determining whether it will be used as energy or stored as fat. But, fructose is different than other sugars. It is insidious. It bypasses that process turning into fat, making you gain weight.

Higher intake of fructose is associated with heart disease (cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and elevation of levels of triglycerides,) diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease.

What to do next

Decide to cut down on fructose for weight loss, better health and longer life. This doesn’t mean don’t eat fruit. The sources for unhealthy fructose is table sugar and high fructose corn syrup as an added ingredient to snack and junk food.

Always make sure to read labels so you know the amount of added sugar. Protect your liver and arteries by limiting the amount of sugar, especially HFCS.

It’s added to most all sugar-sweetened drinks, pastries, packaged desserts, cold breakfast cereals, and many more refined and processed foods. HFCS is highly processed and does not exist anywhere in nature. It is not like honey. It is highly unnatural. Nevertheless, be on the lookout and avoid all sugars, except those which occur naturally in fruits and vegetables.

Note- consult your doctor before you change your diet.