High Fructose = High Heart Risk?

By now, most of us know that the more high fructose corn syrup we ingest, the more likely our waistlines and blood sugar tolerance will suffer.

 

A new study suggests that the amount of high fructose we take in also adversely affects our lipid profiles; like LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

 

The study looked at under 100 people who had excellent lipid profiles to begin with (example: optimal LDL under 100). They divided them into 4 groups for just two weeks. Each group consumed different percentages of high fructose corn syrup drinks (25%, 17.5%, and 10%), with the fourth group drinking only aspartame-sweetened drinks.

 

After only 2 weeks, the lipid profile in the aspartame group remained basically unchanged. The highest percentage corn syrup had the worst lipid profile changes; i.e. LDL increase, HDL decrease, as well as worsening of other markers of cardiovascular risk like uric acid.

 

The 25% group went from an LDL of 91 to 107 in just the two weeks! Even the lowest percent (10%) corn syrup group showed these increases but to a lesser degree.

 

What’s so striking about this study is that the participants didn’t have to consume outrageous amounts of corn syrup to increase their cardiovascular risk. Drinking the equivalent of half a can of CocaCola at all three meals of the day for 2 weeks was enough! I don’t think that most Americans would consider this an outrageous amount. In fact, if you are cutting back on sugary beverages, a half a can could be a tapering point for you. Keep going!

 

What’s more, the study only compared aspartame (artificially flavored) containing drinks as a control to the sugary drinks. I’d love to see if the lipid profiles are even BETTER in a control group who drank good ole WATER!!!

 

Either way, the evidence is clear: the less high fructose corn syrup you take in the better for your heart, waistline, and longevity!