Vegetarian, but not a vegetarian junk--part 2

(Continued from Part III)

HFCS-55 contains approximately 50% fructose and 50% glucose. Glucose and fructose are different both in molecular geometry and in metabolism. Glucose is 6-ring carbon hydrate and is directly absorbed into the blood stream for energy and many physiological function. The brain needs a steady supply of glucose to function normally. When the products made of flour such as noodle, or rice are digested, those polysaccharides are broken down into glucose and is absorbed in the blood stream. Our body requires glucose to function. However, 'blood glucose spike' is the problem because it forces the body to secrete insulin in a very irregular manner. In the long run, it causes insulin resistance--the root of all major chronicle illness.

Fructose is a 5-ring carbon hydrate. It is metabolized in liver. Through this complicate biochemistry process, it does not only partially convert into glucose; however, more importantly, it also produces uric acid and triglycerides; both are markers of inflammation in the body and are the main causes of insulin resistance.

Sugar is a disaccharide consisting 50% of glucose and fructose. So, what is the difference between HFCS-55 and sugar? Well, fructose and glucose are covalently bonded in sugar while in HFCS-55, they are just the physical mixture. Sugar is hydrolyzed in stomach while HFCS-55 is stable in acidic environment.

HFCS, fructose, and sugar have been studied (** Livesey, AJCN, 2008, 88, 1419)regarding triglycerides, insulin resistance, uric acid metabolism and blood pressure. The results are astonishing. Based on the following research (** Oarks, J Nutr, 2008, 138, 1039; Chong, Am J Clin Nutr, 2007, 85, 1511; Stanhope, AJCN, 2008, 87, 1194), fructose, fructose:glucose increases post-prandial and fasting triglyceride level. Triglyceride is also not only a marker of inflammation but also a source of insulin resistance.

(To be continued.)