Is Fructose Poisonous to the Liver?
Published April 18, 2024
I was surprised to learn that fructose, a very common sugar, is as poisonous to the liver as alcohol.
Fructose, along with glucose, each makes up half of table sugar. It is also an ingredient in high-fructose corn syrup, accounting for either 42 percent or 55 percent of its composition. Fructose is found in fruits, hence its name.
Consuming a high amount of fructose naturally, as from fruits directly, is challenging. However, fructose has been concentrated and is found in virtually all sweetened products, making it easy to overconsume.
While many people understand that alcohol is harmful to the liver, fewer are aware that fructose can inflict similar damage. Excessive consumption of fructose causes the liver to accumulate fat; over time, this can impair liver function, leading to scarring, cirrhosis, and even cancer. This condition is known as Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
Conclusion
I have never been a drinker, yet I still managed to damage my liver to the point where it showed signs of scarring. Fortunately, I discovered the impacts of fructose in time and have since become more conscious of my diet. My liver health has improved significantly as a result.
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