Dietary and nutritional content reviewed by Jasmin Gorostiza, DT, DM, DSS, CFPP.️
New research into the composition of the most popular sodas reveals a dangerous association between high levels of fructose and diseases such as diabetes, obesity and liver dysfunction. A team of medical researchers from the University of South California (USC) analyzed several popular sodas sold in the United States from a nutritional perspective.
They were particularly interested in the amount of fructose found in these drinks, and also establishing whether the label accurately indicates the nutritional composition of soda. Researchers used three different laboratories to test the sodas, and the results revealed substantial discrepancies and abnormalities. Related read: Get healthy now with Nutrisystem frozen food
Most Sodas Contain More Fructose Than Expected
Soda manufacturers claim that the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) that is used to produce these drinks and make them sweet is only slightly different from natural sugar, which is a combination of equal amounts of fructose and glucose. Lab tests, however, repeatedly detected higher levels of fructose in several popular sodas.
For example, most sodas exhibited a 60 to 40 ratio between fructose and glucose, which is considerably different from natural sugar. Other samples revealed 50 percent more fructose than glucose, which contradicts claims made by soda manufacturers on their labels.
Lab tests, however, repeatedly detected higher levels of fructose in several popular sodas.
The tests were conducted repeatedly to avoid errors, and the results were uniform and predictable. These findings are important because they may help raise awareness among soda consumers about the potential health threats associated with regular consumption of high-fructose beverages. While the glucose component of soda is a natural fuel used by the human body, the fructose component can be utilized only by the liver, which converts it into fat.
A fructose predominance translates into considerable health risks that are not disclosed or investigated by most soda manufacturers who make false claims on product labels, such as using natural sugar to produce the beverage. Related read: Get healthier meal choices with Nutrisystem
Health Risks Associated with High-Fructose Sodas
When fructose intake is high, which may happen through regular consumption of sodas, the body does not receive natural glucose but rather a slightly altered form of fuel. Individuals who are putting effort into losing weight and preventing health problems may disrupt or ruin their diet through the consumption of fructose contained in soda.
Fructose is used by the liver to produce fat, which is one of the main risks associated with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular dysfunction.
Fructose is used by the liver to produce fat, which is one of the main risks associated with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular dysfunction.
Moreover, due to the high intake of fructose, the liver must work overtime, which makes it susceptible to inflammation and hepatitis. Losing weight while maintaining a regular consumption of soda is very difficult to achieve, and even intense exercise may not help burn the extra calories and accumulated fat.
While some manufacturers claim that they using natural sugar, they are actually utilizing high-fructose sweeteners that the body finds difficult to tolerate. Also read: Get savings with this promo code from Nutrisystem
If you intend to lose weight and diminish your risk of diabetes or liver disease, you are encouraged to keep your consumption of sodas to a minimum.
If you intend to lose weight and diminish your risk of diabetes or liver disease, you are encouraged to keep your consumption of sodas to a minimum.
If you are tempted to cheat on certain occasions, make sure to choose beverages than have natural sugar in it rather than high fructose corn syrup or other high-fructose sweeteners. Consider replacing sodas with natural green tea or juices, which are abundant in antioxidants and contain less fructose.
Are you a soda drinker or have you opted for healthier choices?
As a parent, I don’t encourage my kids to drink sodas I tell them it’s not good for them. The earlier they know about the dangers of drinking sodas, the better.
Sodas aren’t even allowed in our house. My kids are NOT allowed to drink it at all. I don’t want them getting addicted to it. I had a friend who was and she ballooned to about 300 pounds. I recently heard about her diabetes. So all that must have been from drinking too much soda.
Thanks for sharing the article, It’s an eye-opener for all of us. I’m not a soda lover but I do drink it once in a while. But it really is quite dangerous to enjoy drinking it.