Triglycerides-Lowering Diet: What About Fructose?
Although naturally present in fruits, fructose is also available in the form of crystals as a table sugar substitute. It is also sold commercially as high-fructose corn syrup which can contain up to 55 percent sucrose. However, fructose can have some toxic effects on our health, especially on cardiovascular and digestive systems, as well as on our metabolism. Fructose, especially its excessive consumption, may increase:
Excessive consumption of fructose may also cause:
It is estimated that up to 33 percent of persons are unable to completely absorb fructose due to fructose intolerance (also known as dietary fructose intolerance (DFI) which may cause
Fructose may cause the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and may be an underlying cause of some cases of IBS due to its malabsorption. Fruit Sources of Fructose
As you can see, among the twenty-six popular fruits the lowest fructose content show, respectively:
Therefore, the above fruits should be your first choice of fruit in triglycerides-lowering diet, provided you have not been diagnosed with fructose intolerance. Logical, isn't it? But not quite true.Fruit Sources of Sucrose
As you can see, among the fourteen popular fruits the lowest sucrose (sugar) content show, respectively:
Therefore, the above fruits should be your first choice of fruit in triglycerides-lowering diet, provided you have not been diagnosed with fructose intolerance. Logical, isn't it? But not necessarily true. Your Choice of Fruit Whole fruits are both a source of fructose and - sucrose, in other words, sugar. Also known as beet or cane (table) sugar, chemically it consists of glucose and - fructose. Glucose is the only carbohydrate that actually circulates within the bloodstream (as blood sugar). It provides energy to most of the body's cells and is the preferred fuel for most cells, including the neurons of the brain (the brain utilizes 25 percent of glucose for its own “fuel” requirements). Sugar then is a sort of "good" and "bad" guy at the same time with fruits as a perfect example. Some of them are high in fructose but at the same time low in sucrose, and vice versa. Watermelon, for instance, is low in sucrose (1.21%) but at the same time much higher in fructose (3.36%). Apricots on the other hand are low in fructose (0.94%) but very high in sucrose (5.87%). The same applies to other low-high, fructose-sucrose fruits like persimmons, plums, nectarines, peaches and cantaloupes. So as far as fruit consumption is concerned, the only practical solution is their limited consumption. Because fruits are a considerable source of sugar in our today's diet (already full of sugar!), their daily intake should be carefully monitored by all people, not only those whose health condition could be adversely affected by the sugar, diabetics and pre-diabetics in particular. Like with many other things in our life, moderation is the key here, the only win-win situation. And this "rule" should be followed by everyone who is seriously concerned about his or her health. Table of Fruits and Sugars Although eating fresh fruits as your appetite dictates still holds for many people, if you are overweight, insulin resistant, or have elevated blood triglycerides, you should limit your intake of high-sugar fruits, such as grapes, bananas, mangos, sweet cherries, apples, pineapples, pears and kiwi fruit. This recommendation also applies to dried fruits which contain excessive sugar. As a matter of fact, they more resemble commercial candy than their fresh counterparts. Try to include more vegetables instead. However, some fruits, like tomatoes, avocadoes, lemons, and limes, are very low in total sugar and do not have to be restricted. Fructose consumption is particularly problematic for people who are insulin resistant - a condition associated with metabolic syndrome X and/or type 2 diabetes. Because sucrose (table sugar) is split in the gut into its two component parts (fructose and glucose) before it enters the bloodstream, sucrose's contribution to the total dietary fructose load must be considered. For this reason the total metabolic fructose for items below has been tabulated (in grams of sugar per 100 grams). The term "total metabolic fructose" (Tot. met. fructose) means fructose and sucrose combined.
|