The New "Skinny" on Fructose

New data was released about the dietary benefits of fructose. Contrary to other studies, this compelling research labels fructose as a favorable component of the diet.

Fructose, a low glycemic index sugar, occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables and honey. It is often mistaken for high fructose corn syrup, which contains fructose and sucrose (table sugar) in nearly equal proportions.

PRWEB summarized details of a 2008 report by biochemists, Geoffrey Livesey and Richard Taylor, on fructose consumption with the following quote,

"moderate fructose consumption (50 grams or less per day) had no negative effect on the body and may even be beneficial. High doses of pure fructose (100 grams/day or less) had no effect on body weight."

Another recent analysis communicated by Dr. Bernadette Marriott, Senior Scientist for Abt Associates, detailed that,

"average fructose consumption across all age groups is approximately 49 grams per day, which is well below the 100 gram threshold found by Livesey and Taylor and at a level they report may provide benefits."

Lastly, in the New England Journal of Medicine, scientists conclude that weight management stems more from calorie consumption than calorie source. A trend dating from 1977-2004 shows an 18 percent increase in overall calories in the US.

From this data, they evaluate that since fructose imparts such sweetness to foods compared to other sweet sources, less is needed, resulting in calorie savings.

So to summarize what we can savor from these studies, some benefits of fructose include:

• low glycemic index
• not associated with surges and dips in blood glucose levels
• may be beneficial in weight control

Thus, fructose (consumed in moderation) is "unchained" from the stigma as a main culprit of weight gain and metabolic disease.

It will be interesting to see how these and subsequent reports affect marketing and sales. Considering the controversy around carbohydrates these days, getting some "sugar" for fructose is pretty sweet.