Debate Over Fructose
In recent years the sugar fructose in high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been linked to obesity, diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Media coverage might lead some people to think all fructose is bad which is far from the truth.
Fructose is found in fruits, vegetables, honey and sugar (white, brown and powdered). Granulated sugar, also known as sucrose, is 50 percent sucrose and 50 percent fructose.
A major difference between eating foods high in HFCS vs. natural fructose in fruits and vegetables is the multitude of nutrients and fiber in fruits and vegetables versus empty calories from sweetened drinks; the primary source of HFCS. But, it is not the only source. Hundreds of foods contain HFCS due to its sweetening power and cost compared to sugar. causing Americans to eat far more sugar than they have in the past.
Food manufacturers know a good thing and Americans embraced HFCS decades ago unlike other countries which still use sugar.
Eating too much sugar whether it be sucrose or HFCS is the real contributor to overweight and obese Americans and the increase in diabetes.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit your intake of all sugars.