Fructose is a naturally occurring simple monosaccharide sugar, which is found in fruits. Your liver converts it into glucose and your body uses it as energy. However, high fructose is different from fructose, generally because it is more intensely concentrated and chemically processed. It is typically used to sweeten most processed and junk foods, because it is less expensive and sweeter than sugar.
Sweeter Than Sugar
High-fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, which is now called corn sugar, is 1.73 times sweeter than sugar -- almost twice as sweet. For a healthy body, you should minimize all types of sugar intake. Ideally, you should only consume sugars that are naturally available in whole, unprocessed foods.
Lack of Fiber
High-fructose corn syrup is not as healthy as fructose, because fructose from fruits has fiber, which makes you feel more full and prevents you from overconsuming it. However, HFCS in soft drinks does not contain fiber, so it is harder to feel satisfied. Also, high fructose is a more-concentrated form of fructose, which can alter your body's chemistry.
Obesity
Fructose does not stimulate your insulin response, which helps you feel satisfied. When you eat fruits or corn, you eat lower amounts of natural fructose, because they naturally contain less fructose. Plus, they contain filling fiber so you eat less quantity. HFCS, especially when in drinks, may actually increase your cravings. Because it has a sweet taste, your body is expecting sustenance, yet with a lack of an insulin response or fiber, your body does not feel satisfied, according to a 2004 studies review by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When you do not feel satisfied, you tend to consume more calories. This is a similar relationship to artificial sweeteners, explains Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of "The Dr. Oz Show."
Genetically Modified
High-fructose corn syrup is chemically processed from genetically modified corn. The World Health Organization states that genetically modified foods may pass genes through to your intestines that can cause lessened effects of antibiotics. Eat organic corn and corn products to avoid genetically modified foods. Other potential effects of genetically modified foods are still being researched.
References
- Iowa State University Extension: Carbohydrates
- "American Journal of Nutrition"; Consumption of High-Fructose Corn Syrup in Beverages May Play a Role in the Epidemic of Obesity; George A. Bray, Samara Joy Nielsen and Barry M. Popkin; April 2004
- "The Dr. Oz Show": Artificial Sweeteners and Other Food Substitutes
- World Health Organization: 20 Questions on Genetically Modified Foods
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