Guest guest Posted August 29, 2009 Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 If a recent paper published in the journal Circulation is to be believed, my cutting out of added sugar from my diet may be positively contributing to my cardiovascular health [1]. You can access a pdf of the article here. In this statement, representatives of the American Heart Association detail the evidence linking consumption of added sugar, say from sugar-sweetened beverages, and effects on health that are likely to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. For example, the quote a review of 88 studies which found that higher intakes of soft drinks was associated with greater caloric consumption, higher body weight, lower intake of other nutrients and worse indicators of health [2]. The review also highlights evidence which links sugar consumption to certain risk factors of cardiovascular disease such as raised levels of blood fats known as triglycerides and heightened levels of inflammation and ‘oxidative stress’ (free radical damage). I was particularly interested in this paper because it highlighted the potential problems associated with consuming fructose. As the authors point out, fructose was “Originally proposed as the ideal sweetener for people with diabetes mellitus because of its inability to stimulate insulin secretion…” However, they go on to point out that epidemiological studies link its consumption to various ills including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. The authors also cite a study in which feeding individuals fructose-rich drinks was found to bring about detrimental effects in terms of insulin sensitivity, blood fat levels, fasting sugar levels and fatty accumulation. These changes were not, however, seen in individuals fed glucose-rich drinks. Some of you may know that ‘high fructose corn syrup’ (HFCS) is commonly used as a sweetening agent in our food supply, including soft drinks. The authors of this paper point out that many people mistakenly believe that HFCS is pure fructose. In fact, it is made up of about half fructose and about half glucose – just like sucrose (table sugar). It seems the food industry has done it’s best to brand HFCS as a healthier alternative to sugar by highlighting its fructose content. Remember, fructose has been traditionally believed to be a healthier because of it does not raise blood sugar levels acutely. However, a more evidence comes in the fructose is a major villain of the peace, it seems like the food industry’s apparent attempt to brand HFCS as something desirable is backfiring spectacularly. MORE: http://www.drbriffa.com/blog/2009/08/26/american-heart-association-highlights-hazards-of-consuming-sugar-including-fructose/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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