Author: Leticia Celentano
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Fructose is naturally found in fruits. However, it is included in a wide range of products on the market ...
Fructose is used as a sweetener in many foods. However, according to Yale researchers, it can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
According to them, the reason lies in the properties of fructose to stimulate an area in the brain responsible for controlling appetite .
Fructose is naturally found in fruits. However, their consumption does not create a problem. The products offered with fructose on the market contain it in large quantities, and their range is rich.
To determine the harm of the natural sweetener on body weight , the research team scanned the brain activity of 20 volunteers before and after consuming fructose foods.
The results show that it reduces blood flow to the area of the brain that controls appetite, which in turn increases the desire to eat and gives a feeling of lack of satiety .
The results of the study are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association .
Fructose is extracted mainly from sugar cane , beets and corn. Due to the rich sweet and longer taste it is used as an additive in carbonated drinks, sauces, desserts and more.
The so-called high-fructose corn syrup , from cakes and biscuits to ice cream and cereals, is often used . It is also used in frozen products as it reduces crystallization.
Experts advise avoiding the consumption of processed and refined foods and beverages containing fructose and glucose and emphasizing foods with a natural sugar content, such as sweet fruits, vegetables and honey .
This reduces the risk of gaining extra pounds while satisfying the need for jam , they added.
Fructose consumption is associated with a risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, kidney damage and even dementia , according to an older study.
According to researchers, specifically the high content of fructose in fruit juices increases the risk of rectal cancer .