Manufacturers sweeten processed foods and beverages using high fructose corn syrup more than any other sweetener, according to MayoClinic.com. Controversy over the benefits and risks of using high fructose corn syrup has resulted in a number of scientific studies to determine its safety. Heart disease risk, as well as the risk of developing other health conditions, may increase with high intakes of high fructose corn syrup.
High Cholesterol
High fructose corn syrup may lead to elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein, according to an May 2009 study published in "The Journal of Clinical Investigation." Low-density lipoprotein, also called LDL cholesterol, can bind with other substances in your blood and form a plaque buildup on your artery walls. Excessive plaque buildup restricts the flow of blood throughout your body, including to your heart and brain. Plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to your heart can result in coronary heart disease and heart attacks. Keep your LDL levels below 100 mg/dl to help prevent heart disease.
High Triglyceride Levels
Excessive consumption of high fructose corn syrup may also cause elevated triglyceride levels, because they increase the amount of uric acid in your body, according to an article in the June 2009 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition." High triglyceride levels may contribute to the buildup of plaque on your artery walls and the hardening of your artery walls, which increase your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Prevent these risks by limiting your intake of high fructose corn syrup and keeping your triglyceride level below 150 mg/dl.
Obesity
"The Journal of Nutrition" article notes that intake of fructose may promote overeating, cause weight gain and increase your chances of developing insulin resistance because the body does not signal fullness when you consume it. Since 55 percent of high fructose corn syrup is fructose, it can also limit your ability to determine satiety. The inability to determine your level of fullness may cause you to gain weight, make unhealthy food choices and become obese. As your weight increases, so does your risk of heart disease.
Limiting Your Intake
Avoid increasing your risk of heart disease brought on by the consumption of high fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners by limiting your intake of added sugars. The American Heart Association recommends that women consume less than 100 calories or 6 tsp. of added sugar each day and that men consume less than 150 calories or 9 tsp. of added sugar each day. Read food labels to determine if the foods and drinks you consume contain high fructose corn syrup or corn sugar -- another name for high fructose corn syrup. Limit your intake of foods and drinks high in added high fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners, including pancake syrup, fruit drinks, sodas, sweetened cereals and sweetened dairy products.
References
- MayoClinic.com; High-Fructose Corn Syrup: What Are the Health Concerns?; Jennifer K. Nelson, M.S., R.D., L.D.; October 2010
- "The Journal of Clinical Investigation"; Consuming Fructose-Sweetened, Not Glucose-Sweetened, Beverages Increases Visceral Adiposity and Lipids and Decreases Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight/Obese Humans; Kimber L. Stanhope, et al.; May 2009
- American Heart Association; What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean; May 2, 2011
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; The Effect of High-Fructose Corn Syrup Consumption on Triglycerides and Uric Acid; T.J. Angelopoulos, et al.; June 2009
- American Heart Association: Sugars and Carbohydrates
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