A recently publish study in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that consuming fructose can “make you fatter”. A very small study found that fructose (fruit sugar) is converted to fat in the body very quickly compared to glucose (table sugar). Although fructose occurs naturally in fruit, it’s also used in many processed foods (cakes, cookies, soda, etc.) in the form of high-fructose corn syrup.
Study participants (a total of 6) were randomly given one of three different drinks – 100% glucose, 50% glucose & 50% fructose, or 25% glucose & 75% fructose. The subjects were then given a “standardized” lunch four hours later. Researchers found that the drinks containing fructose increased lipogenesis (when the body turns sugar into fat) and also made them more likely to store fats at the next meal.
Not all researchers agree with the findings of this new study. It’s also important to note that the limited size of the study means that additional research needs to be conducted before any definite conclusions can be drawn. Chances are, the fructose controversy will continue for some time.
Dr. Parks, lead author of the recent study, encourages people to continue eating fruits because they contain many beneficial nutrients, but states “limiting processed food containing high-fructose corn syrup as well as curbing calories is a good idea”. We couldn’t agree more!
- Lauren
Related Articles:
>http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/does-fructose-make-you-fatter/
>http://ihealthbulletin.com/blog/2008/07/24/new-fructose-study-yes-fructose-makes-fat-faster/
Labels: Diet, Lauren, Recent Research
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