You may have heard by now that high fructose corn syrup can be harmful to your health, but did you know it could also damage your memory? Research conducted at UCLA has discovered a link between consuming high fructose corn syrup and a decrease in brain function.
The Study
Scientists at UCLA wanted to find out how high fructose corn syrup affects the brain’s ability to learn and remember. To do this, they conducted a study on rats. Over the course of five days, they trained the rats to escape a maze.
After this initial training, the rats were split into two groups. One group was given plain water to drink, while the other was fed a concentrated amount of fructose similar to the typical amount a human gets from food and drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup.
The researchers then induced brain trauma in the rats and continued to feed them their respective diets for another six weeks. After this period, the rats were again tested on their ability to recall the escape route in the maze.
Results
The outcomes of the experiment were quite shocking. Rats that had been on the fructose diet took 30% longer to remember the route and find the exit compared to the rats that drank plain water.
Gomez-Pinilla, a member of the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, said, “Our findings suggest that fructose disrupts plasticity – the creation of fresh pathways between brain cells that occurs when we learn or experience something new.” This means that consuming high fructose corn syrup could potentially hinder your brain from creating new connections, which are essential for learning and memory.
Why You Should Be Concerned
High fructose corn syrup is found in many food items, including soft drinks, fruit juices, candy, and processed snacks. In fact, the average American consumed eight teaspoons per day last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This omnipresence of high fructose corn syrup in our diet is alarming given the results of this study. A decrease in your brain’s plasticity could negatively affect everything from your ability to remember simple tasks to learning new skills – not to mention keeping your memory sharp as you age.
The Hidden Dangers
One of the biggest challenges in avoiding high fructose corn syrup is that it is often hidden in food products under various names. Manufacturers have become adept at disguising it under labels like fructose, fructose syrup, concentrated fruit juice, crystalline fructose, glucose-fructose, and maize syrup.
It’s essential to become a vigilant label reader, especially if you want to protect your brain health by avoiding high fructose corn syrup. Watch out for these names on the ingredient lists and opt for products that are sweetened with natural sugar alternatives.
Other Health Concerns
Aside from the potential damage to your memory, there are other health risks associated with consuming high amounts of high fructose corn syrup. Regular consumption has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
These health risks only serve to further emphasize the importance of reducing your intake of high fructose corn syrup. By recognizing the various names it hides under and choosing foods that do not contain this sneaky ingredient, you can protect not only your memory but also your overall health.
How to Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup
Given that high fructose corn syrup is found in so many food products, cutting it out completely may seem like an impossible task. However, there are a few simple tips to help you avoid consuming this harmful ingredient:
- Read the labels: Pay close attention to the ingredient list on packaged foods. Keep an eye out for high fructose corn syrup, as well as the various other names it might be hiding under.
- Choose natural sweeteners: Opt for products that are sweetened with natural sugar alternatives, such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
- Cut out processed foods: High fructose corn syrup is often found in processed foods, so minimizing your consumption of these products can help you avoid it.
- Make healthy swaps: Replace sugary drinks with water or unsweetened beverages, and choose fresh fruit over candy or other processed snacks.
- Cook from scratch: Preparing your meals at home allows you to control the ingredients that go into your food, making it easier to avoid high fructose corn syrup.
By following these tips and staying vigilant about the ingredients in your food, you’ll be well on your way to promoting better brain health and memory by avoiding high fructose corn syrup.
