From time to time I hear from people who are concerned and confused about fructose and sugar in general. Fructose, as the name implies, is the same sugar that comes from fruit. A typical pear contains roughly 15-20 grams of fructose. Should we rule out fruit? Of course not. The key as with any ingredient is dose. All sugar in overdose, just like any other element, can become toxic. For example, excess Glucose leads to diabetes and fructose in overdose can lead to liver damage. But fructose offers great benefits when used in moderation. First and foremost it is twice as sweet as glucose and 4 times sweeter than sucrose so a small amount goes a long way in achieving palatability.
In 1968 as my dad began testing his patients hair for heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, fluoride, etc., it became clear that people were toxic. In the years since, lead was removed from gasoline, mercury was removed from paint and the Safe Water Drinking Act was passed all in hopes of minimizing our exposure to poisons.
The holidays are in full swing and with it comes an increase in heart attacks. How could it be during this incredible month of celebration and joy that there could be an increased risk of death to go along with it?