Learn about the effects of fructose, a sugar that does not raise blood sugar levels but can lead to digestive problems, fatty liver, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Discover the negative impacts of consuming fructose, including inflammation, atherosclerosis, and overeating.
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Quick takeaways
Fructose, unlike glucose, does not raise blood sugar levels initially, but excessive consumption can contribute to fatty liver and insulin resistance.
High fructose consumption can lead to digestive issues, elevated triglyceride levels, inflammation, and atherosclerosis.
Deep dives
Fructose does not raise blood sugar levels directly
Fructose is a monosaccharide sugar that does not increase blood sugar levels like glucose does. Unlike glucose, fructose does not activate the beta cells in the pancreas that release insulin. This is why when getting blood sugar tested, glucose levels are measured, not fructose. Fructose is also twice as sweet as table sugar, making it appealing for manufacturers to use in food products. However, fructose follows a different biochemical pathway than glucose and is primarily absorbed by the liver. Excessive consumption of fructose can lead to fatty liver and the production of triglycerides, which can result in insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Excessive fructose consumption can lead to various health problems
Consuming large amounts of fructose, particularly in the form of high fructose corn syrup, can have detrimental effects on health. Excess fructose consumption is associated with digestive issues, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Additionally, fructose converted to glucose in the liver can contribute to fatty liver, elevated triglyceride levels, and increased cholesterol production. These effects can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes, gout, reduced vitamin D activation, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Studies also suggest that excessive fructose intake can cause an increase in homocysteine levels and reduced leptin levels, leading to overeating and decreased appetite satisfaction.
1.
Understanding the Different Types of Sugars and Their Effects on Blood Sugar Levels
Today, we’re going to talk about the only type of sugar that won’t raise your blood sugar: fructose.
Fructose doesn’t increase your blood sugar levels, at least initially. Fructose is often recommended to diabetics because it doesn’t increase blood sugar levels, but there is another side of this that’s important to look at.
Fructose follows a different biochemical pathway than glucose. Glucose is absorbed by all of the cells, but fructose is only absorbed by the liver. What’s not absorbed can end up in the colon, where your microbes consume it, which can lead to digestive problems.
Fructose absorbed in the liver can be converted to glucose and stored as glycogen. When glycogen is stored in the liver, the body will start making triglycerides and cholesterol. Fructose can potentially lead to a fatty liver very quickly, which can then lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.
Even though fructose is low on the glycemic index and won’t directly raise your blood sugar, it can indirectly raise your blood sugar and lead to various health problems.
The good news is that there are keto-friendly alternative sugars that you can consume.
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