(NaturalHealth365)  Don’t let Big Agra fool you – despite their efforts to convince the American public that high fructose corn syrup isn’t harmful to your health, plenty of research reveals this claim for the deception it is.  A recent study published in Nutrition Journal uncovered the hidden risks of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), showing how excessive consumption disrupts gut health and leads to fructose malabsorption.

What’s even more concerning is that while the study focuses on conditions like asthma, the gut imbalances caused by too much fructose may also drive inflammation and metabolic issues, both of which are closely tied to an increased risk of cancer.  Of course, even regular refined sugar isn’t good for your health either, but this ubiquitous (highly processed) sweetener can cause many problems for people who consume it.

High fructose corn syrup is essentially cancer food and accelerates tumor growth rate

In a recent study, researchers examined how consuming even a moderate amount of HFCS impacts intestinal tumors.  They found that drinking the equivalent of one can of sugary soda per day led to a significant increase in tumor size and severity, independent of obesity or metabolic disorders.

This reinforces what we already know: diets high in HFCS and processed foods are linked to metabolic issues like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.  But what’s more alarming is that even without these conditions, sugar appears to feed cancer directly, helping tumors grow faster.  Even at moderate levels, the combination of glucose and fructose in HFCS seems to create the perfect environment for tumor growth.

Beyond tumor growth: 5 other harmful effects of refined sugar

It seems we have evidence to say that high fructose corn syrup can accelerate cancer growth.  We also know refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup are major contributors to the rapidly expanding obesity epidemic.

Sadly, these aren’t the only dubious qualities of these types of sweeteners.  Here are 5 other reasons to avoid refined sugar as much as humanly possible (which you can do by opting for real, minimally processed, and high-quality organic plant and animal products):

1. It increases your risk of diabetes:  Consuming excessive refined sugar can lead to insulin resistance, where your body’s cells become less responsive to insulin.  This can result in chronically elevated blood sugar levels, potentially leading to type 2 diabetes.  Over time, high sugar intake can also overwork the pancreas, reducing its ability to produce insulin effectively.
2. It drives inflammation, which is associated with heart disease:  Refined sugar triggers the release of inflammatory molecules in the body, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation.  This persistent inflammatory state can damage blood vessels, increase plaque buildup in arteries, and contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.  Inflammation is also linked to other chronic conditions, such as arthritis and certain autoimmune disorders.
3. It fills you with too much fructose, which is broken down differently than glucose (a basic carb molecule) and can lead to health problems:  Unlike glucose, which can be used by every cell in the body, fructose is primarily metabolized in the liver.  High fructose intake can overwhelm the liver’s capacity to process it, leading to increased production of uric acid and triglycerides.  This can contribute to various health issues, including gout, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.
4. It increases your risk for fatty liver disease since the liver has to metabolize the high amounts of fructose into glycogen and can then be overloaded (excess glycogen is converted into fat):  When the liver is consistently bombarded with fructose, it can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).  This condition occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells, potentially leading to inflammation, scarring, and, in severe cases, liver failure.  NAFLD is closely associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
5. Because refined sugar is so sweet, it can trigger and drive unhealthy food cravings:  Consuming refined sugar can activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and creating a temporary feeling of pleasure.  This can lead to a cycle of sugar cravings and overconsumption.  Over time, regular high sugar intake can alter taste preferences, making naturally sweet foods like fruits seem less appealing and potentially leading to an overall less nutritious diet.

It’s time to cut the ‘junk’ sugar from your diet – and your family’s!  Let’s lift our glasses with clean (purified) water or organic juices from whole apples, carrots, and other delicious fruits and veggies.

Your future health will thank you for the effort.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
ScienceDaily.com
Healthline.com
ScienceMag.org