Fructose is similar to alcohol, but without the hangover. What the two have in common is where they’re “handled”; both are metabolized by the liver. Unfortunately, the liver has very limited options for metabolizing fructose and alcohol; much of what isn’t used for energy production is converted to fat. Just as alcohol causes Fatty liver disease, high fructose consumption is a potent contributor to NAFLD (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). A study published in 2009 explored the effect of fructose versus glucose on visceral fat (belly fat). *¹ The subjects all gained fat, but the interesting fact was where the fat accumulated. The fructose drinkers gained more visceral fat. Fruit juice is not a healthy drink!!! It is a potent source of pure fructose. Unfortunately, our misunderstanding is a significant part of why NAFLD is on the rise in children as well as adults *² Because of its fibre content and relatively lower fructose, whole fruit is very different from fruit juice. So eat some fruit, don’t drink it.

  1. Stanhope, K.L., et al., Consuming fructose-sweetened, not glucose-sweetened, beverages increases visceral adiposity and lipids and decreases insulin sensitivity in overweight/obese humans. J Clin Invest, 2009.
  2. Wojcicki, J.M. and M.B. Heyman, Reducing childhood obesity by eliminating 100% fruit juice. Am J Public Health, 2012. 102 (9).