Corn Syrup Side Effects

Corn syrup is a common sweetener converted from corn starch. A combination of fructose and glucose, it is most heavily used in sweet foods, processed foods and beverages. It has replaced pure sugar in many items because of its cheaper production cost and longer shelf life. Unfortunately, this comes at a high cost to the consumer. Corn syrup should not be consumed in excess because of the serious health effects that can follow.

High Blood Pressure

• Fructose reduces nitric oxide, which is a crucial signaling molecule in the body. When operating properly, nitric oxide signals to the body's vessels to dilate and lower blood pressure. With a buildup of fructose, these vessels are not able to relax, and blood pressure increases. If uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to a multitude of serious diseases, affecting the kidneys, heart, arteries, eyes and brain.

Obesity

• Unlike regular sugar (glucose), corn syrup does not release leptin or trigger signals of fullness to the brain after consumption. This leads to overeating, and increases the likelihood of obesity. A host of other problems such as heart disease and diabetes also might result.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

• Fructose is metabolized, or broken down for use in the body, at a much faster rate than glucose. It metabolizes into fat in the liver rapidly, which increases the risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). NAFLD refers to a wide array of liver diseases ranging from simple to irreversible. All include the accumulation of fat in the liver, much like that seen in alcoholics.