Sweet "killer": Studies have found that sugars in the diet double the fat production of the liver

According to New Atlas, a new study led by scientists from the University of Zurich found that moderate consumption of fructose and sucrose can significantly amplify fat production in the liver. Studies have also shown that the changes in fat metabolism caused by these sugars can last for a long time.

Previous studies have found that fructose in particular disturbs the liver’s ability to burn fat effectively. It is well known that a high-fructose diet can damage mitochondria, causing the liver to shift from burning fat to storing fat.

New research explores whether these same metabolic abnormalities are caused by the right amount of sugar in the diet. Approximately one hundred healthy young subjects were recruited and divided into three groups, plus a control group. Each group drank a drink containing 80 grams of fructose, glucose or sucrose every day. For reference, this is the rough sugar content of two cans of Coke.

"In the fructose group, the body's own liver fat production is twice that of the glucose group or the control group-still more than 12 hours after the last meal or sugar consumption." Philipp Gerber, the lead researcher of the study, said.

Importantly, research results show that sucrose can amplify fat production in the liver to the same level as fructose. Previous studies have shown that only fructose is believed to have this negative effect on liver fat metabolism.

Gerber pointed out that these findings indicate that adding a relatively small amount of sugar to the diet can trigger adverse metabolic effects. And the duration of these effects is longer than previously thought.

"80 grams of sugar per day, equivalent to about 0.8 liters of ordinary soft drinks, will promote fat production in the liver," Gerber said. "And the overactive fat production will continue for a longer time, even if you no longer consume more sugar."

The researchers finally said that these findings are a powerful reminder to limit the added sugars in their daily diet. The American Heart Foundation currently recommends that men consume no more than 37.5 grams of added sugar per day and women no more than 25 grams. The new research was published in the "Journal of Hematology".

As people’s requirements for healthy diets become higher and higher, the demand for sugar substitutes will increase. Erythritol, sucralose, steviol glycosides, etc. have become new sweetener trends.