Sugary drinks high in fructose alter the body’s metabolic functions and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction, stroke.
Excess weight, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular accidents… All the studies show that sugary drinks are harmful to your health. According to one study published this Monday in the Journal of American College of Cardiology, the fructose provided by corn syrup and sucrose are the main culprits.
Naturally present in fruits, fructose is not necessarily bad for your health. But today, this sugar is found everywhere, especially in the North American food industry where corn syrup enriched with fructose is widely used. This provides more than 55% fructose while a fruit contains barely 1%.
Undeniable harmful effects
“We rarely consume fructose alone, the main source of fructose is sucrose (table sugar composed of 50% glucose, 50% fructose, editor’s note), corn syrup and sodas, notes Franck Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard’s Chan School of Public Health (Boston) and responsible for this study. Our work highlights the urgent need for public health measures to reduce the consumption of these beverages. »
In fact, the impact of these drinks is undeniable. According to the review of the scientific literature carried out by the researchers, the daily consumption of sodas, concentrated juices rich in sugars and other iced teas, increases the risks of type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents.
A special metabolism
Furthermore, the authors explain that the metabolic disorders that result from this excessive consumption of sugar are due to the ingestion of fructose in the body. “Glucose is quickly absorbed by the digestive system. It is then transported into the bloodstream to be used by the tissues under the action of insulin, explains Professor Franck Hu. While fructose is metabolized in the liver where it is converted, in part, into fatty acids which can lead to non-alcoholic fatty hepatitis and insulin resistance, a key factor in developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. »
The researchers then insist on the importance of reducing the consumption of these drinks, especially since they contain glucose and fructose. A study published last June showed that in 2010, these drinks caused the death of 184,000 people. Despite all the recommendations of experts and the many warnings around these products, the whole world continues to consume them without moderation.
.
