Fructose: Good or Not so good?

Table sugar is also known as sucrose, and sucrose contains one molecule of fructose and one molecule of glucose bound together.

Fructose activates a key enzyme, fructokinase, which in turn activates another enzyme that causes cells to accumulate fat. When this enzyme is blocked, fat cannot be stored in the cell. This is the exact same “switch” animals use to fatten up in the fall and to burn fat during the winter. Fructose is the dietary ingredient that turns on this “switch,” causing cells to accumulate fat, both in animals and in humans.

Tips regarding fructose consumption:
1. Try to consume a total sugar/fructose intake below 25 grams a day, or as little as 15 grams a day.
2. Be cautious of fruit juices and dry fruits in your daily regimen.
3. Try to have your larger meals in the mid day vs. later @ night.
4. Try intermittent fasting; This is a period of 16-24 hours of drinking water, herbal tea or light vegetable juice. It supports healthy digestive function, blood sugar balancing, and liver support. If you are new to fasting, please consult a health care practitioner.
5. If sugar is a constant craving for you, incorporate more protein and healthy fats @ meal times, and drink water with lemon 30 minutes before meals.

Heather Fleming, Joyful Food Expert
Founder of the Conscious Nutrition Program
& Author of the Have it ALL Diet
“Click HERE to Have it ALL”