CCH Health Review
Ideas & Strategies to Improve Your Health
Janaury 2005
Study Blames Corn Syrup for Rise of Diabetes
Corn syrup and other refined foods may be partly responsible for the huge increase in type 2 diabetes in the U.S. over the past few decades.
A study of nearly 100 years of data on what Americans eat show a huge increase in processed carbohydrates, especially corn syrup, and a large drop in the amount of fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Starting in 1980, people started consuming steadily more calories, with an average increase in total calories of about 500 calories a day. Nearly 80% of the increase in total calories came from carbohydrates. During the same period, the prevalence of diabetes increased by 47% and obesity increased by 85%.
But instead of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, people are getting more and more of their carbs in the form of processed grains and sugars - most of all, in corn syrup.
The lead researcher of the study said "It is hard to ignore the fact that 20% of our carbohydrates are coming from corn syrup - 10% of our total calories."
An estimated 16 million Americans have diabetes, the sixth leading cause of death. Many studies have linked a high intake of refined carbohydrates and other foods with a high "glycemic index" to the development of diabetes.
Foods with a high glycemic index cause a spike in insulin production. Over time, repeatedly eating foods in this pattern can cause insulin resistance, which in turn leads to diabetes.
Bottom line: Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. Replace refined grains with whole grains. Reduce consumption of soft drinks and other beverages containing corn syrup or other sweeteners. Minimize processed convenience foods that contain "high fructose corn syrup".
Source: Gross, LS et al, Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates and the epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the United States: an ecologic assessment. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 May;79(5):774-9.
Excessive Carbohydrates Lead to Alzheimers
A recently published, rather provocative study has suggested Alzheimer's disease may be caused in part by excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates are the starches and sugars you find in most processed foods that you eat every day.
Refined carbohydrates may lead to Alzheimer's in two ways. First, they appear to alter fat metabolism within the central nervous system, which inhibits some functions of cell membranes. Second, they stimulate prolonged and excessive insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling, which increases brain cell damage.
Reducing refined dietary carbohydrates, and increasing essential fatty acids may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Go here for more information on Alzheimer's Disease.
Source: High Carbohydrate Diets and Alzheimer’s Disease,” Henderson ST, Med Hypotheses, 2004;62:689-700
Answers for Arthritis
Are you troubled by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis? Or have a relative or friend who has arthritis?
If so, you may be wondering how to control the condition, especially since Vioxx and other pain-killers have come under scrutiny for their undesirable side effects.
We recommend that you to review our discussions of Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Not only do we give you all the details about the disorders, but we also give you a list of beneficial, natural therapies for each disease.
