The fructose frenzy picked up steam today as a new study done in mice revealed the mechanism that leads to insulin resistance when we gorge on high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) laden foods. Dietary fructose is fascinating. A few decades ago it came highly recommended for diabetics because it doesn’t raise insulin levels in the same manner that regular sugar does. Imagine that, a sugar that doesn’t send your insulin through the roof. Less insulin also means your pancreas isn’t overworked. However, fructose is also metabolized differently and readily converted to fat in the liver. The unique metabolism of diet high in fructose can lead to high triglycerides, fatty liver, and insulin resistance over time (among other issues).
This study found the gene responsible for making fats in the liver upon fructose ingestion. Isolating the gene is the first part. The second is turning it off; something scientists think can help people down the line. Especially people with insulin resistance, fatty liver and high triglycerides. And, they’ve already done this in mice – turned off the expression of that gene and subsequently reversed insulin resistance and decreased the synthesis of trigylcerides in the little creatures.
As exciting as this research is, it is going to take some time to look into the safety and functionality of turning off this gene in humans. In the meantime, cutting down on HFCS in your diet is a wise step. Dietary fructose in the form of fruit shouldn’t be categorized alongside HFCS. HFCS is different, it is chemically altered and has different proportions of fructose depending on whether it’s used in a beverage or food. Fruit on the other hand contains naturally occurring fructose, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. So eat the fruit and ditch the HFCS in processed foods.