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Tea Extract Could Reduce HFCS-Diabetes Link

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound found in tea, may reduce the association between high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and diabetes, according to researchers from Rutgers University.

HFCS, a liquid sweetener commonly used in soft drinks that contains both fructose and glucose, has been accused of causing diabetes, particularly in children, and a recent study further supported this theory.

The study investigated 11 different soft drinks and found "astonishingly high" levels of reactive carbonyls, which are thought to cause cell and tissue damage.

Reactive carbonyls are associated with diabetes, as they’re found in higher levels in the bloodstreams of people with the disease. Reactive carbonyls are linked with the unbound structure of fructose and glucose molecules in HFCS, and are not found in table sugar.

However, the team of researchers found that adding EGCG to the soft drinks reduced the levels of reactive carbonyls.

The finding may spur the creation of “healthier” soft drinks from companies like Coca Cola and Pepsi Co, which are looking to downplay some of the negative press that soft drinks have been receiving.

American Chemical Society’s 234th National Meeting August 23, 2007, Boston, MA
(Food Bioactives and Nutraceuticals: Production, Chemistry, Analysis and Health Effects: Health Effects)
Beverage Daily August 28, 2007



Dr. Mercola''s Comments Dr. Mercola's Comments:

The powerful chemicals contained in green tea -- specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) -- have been found to fight a host of diseases including:
It is not surprising, then, that these potent compounds may also help to neutralize some of the toxins formed by high-fructose corn syrup.

That said, I would no sooner drink a soft drink that’s been made “healthy” by adding EGCG than I would down a can of HFCS itself.

I am convinced HFCS is a toxin, and I avoid it at all costs, regardless of what’s been added to doctor it up.

The consumption of HFCS not only exacerbates the obesity epidemic, it also harms organs like your liver and pancreas, leading to bone loss, anemia, and heart problems, just to name a few. If you haven't yet read the amazing scientific analysis on fructose in one of my favorite nutritional journals, I would strongly encourage you to do so as it will open your eyes to some of the major problems with this sugar that is commonly perceived to be healthy.

Of course, the major source of HFCS in the United States is soft drinks, but don’t let that deceive you. HFCS is also found in the vast majority of processed foods, from salad dressings to bread.

My advice? Become an avid label reader and avoid anything that contains high-fructose corn syrup. If you drink soda, this is the obvious place to start, and giving it up is one of the best things you can do for your health (and, do not think you can switch over to diet soda instead -- they’re plagued with their own problems!).

Is Green Tea Healthy?

Getting back to EGCG, though, it’s found in high quantities in green tea, and this is a beverage that you can certainly enjoy in moderation.

I say “in moderation” because I still believe that pure water is what you were designed to drink primarily, and once you veer too far from this fluid you can run into severe health problems.

When choosing a green tea, be aware that previous research has found high levels of fluoride present in some teas. Fluoride is a toxic substance that can have profoundly negative effects on your body.  So if you consume large amounts of green tea for health benefits, you might want to invest some time in researching a brand that is quite low in fluoride.

Remember, while it’s perfectly fine to enjoy some green tea, or green tea extract, on occasion, make sure it's the REAL THING.

Any pre-made variety that comes in a bottle or can is likely to be loaded with HFCS, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, caffeine and more, and is NOT a healthy beverage for you.




Related Links:



Comment on This Article Community Comments (40)
 
 
Posted On Aug 30, 2007
You know what kills me?  I cannot even find a decent chewing gum without aspertame or Splenda or some other weird frankengum. 
Does anyone have any ideas for a good gum to chew????
Please advise.

 
samurai
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 4/2007
samurai  
Replied

Reesacat
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 1/2007
Reesacat  
 
Posted On Aug 30, 2007
Thanks for mentioning that-I never thought about chewing gum.

I am very allergic to NutraSweet and I have a friend that can't tolerate Splenda in any amount.  Will let others know.


Swami Barmi
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 10/2006
Swami Barmi  
 
Posted On Aug 30, 2007
Try Glee gum. They use natural chicle for the gum base, cane sugar and rice syrup for the sweeteners.


Katee Roux
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 7/2007
Katee Roux  
 
Posted On Aug 30, 2007
You're right.  I recently checked because i wanted to stop using trident.  Even the old standbys like wrigley's spearmint & juicyfruit now contain aspartame.  

I found XyliChew.  It was at my healthfood store.  It comes in a lot of different flavors.  I'm not entirely pleased with it because the sweetner is Xylitol, but i still consider it better than aspartame.  It has : Xylitol, Gum Base (from sapodilla tree), Natural Flavor, Gum Arabic, Lecithin, Glycerin, Beeswax, & Carnaubawax.


Kar_Kar
Novice User Novice User Joined On 6/2007
Kar_Kar  
 
Posted On Aug 30, 2007
Ugh, I know...I couldn't believe that they added aspartame to Juicy Fruit and Doublemint!

I buy Zapp gum online, it's sweetened with xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol.  I've been happy with all the flavors so far.  Can't get it in stores though, as far as I know.


seg
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 11/2006
seg  
 
Posted On Aug 31, 2007
The best thing is to stop chewing gum. Gum chewers are actually "air eaters" and also the constant chewing stimulates your body to secrete digestive juices because it thinks you're eating, so it really is a waste of good digestive juices amongst other things.......See link below...

http://www.mercola.com/2006/apr/13/the_questionable_science_of_gum_chewing.htm


samurai
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 4/2007
samurai  
 
Posted On Aug 31, 2007
Thanks for the tip, Seg. 
I gave you some points for your tip, but someone dinged you.

There is some jerk that just indiscriminately is dinging people including myself.  He is not man enough to come forth and admit it. 


Katee Roux
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 7/2007
Katee Roux  
 
Posted On Aug 31, 2007
I appreciate it Seg.  Wish i felt comfortable giving it up.

In my work (massage therapist) i worry about my breath.  Many other therapists i've known use breath mints, but i really don't like them.  I've learned to suck on the gum like you would a breath mint, & they last longer.  Then throw it out at the end of the session.  Can't chew gum & do my work!  I also use gum occasionally when i'm not able to brush my teeth.  Also the toothpaste i've changed to (non-fluoride, of course) doesn't have mint, & i miss that.  

Might start growing mint in my office so i can use that instead.  Has anyone tried using straight mint for a breath freshner?


Maj_203
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 3/2007
Maj_203  
 
Posted On Sep 01, 2007
KateeRoux said: Has anyone tried using straight mint for a breath freshner?

If you want something really pow, check your local health food store for something like Peppermint Spirits. I use that for everything - from a substitute for FeBreeze to a mouth freshener to some more... Adult uses.

;)

Lemon/lemongrass works really well for freshening up, too.


Peter Ramirez
Novice User Novice User Joined On 5/2007
Peter Ramirez  
 
Posted On Sep 15, 2007

Yes. Peelu Dental Chewing Gum, the Cleansing "Toothbrush" Gum, is made with sorbitol, maltitol syrup, natural oil of spearmint/peppermint, and peelu extract from the Peelu tree in Asia and the Middle East. The fibers and extracts have been used for centuries for effective, natural dental care.

I chew it all the time. It melts in your mouth.



ilgapeach
Novice User Novice User Joined On 11/2006
ilgapeach  
 
Posted On Sep 15, 2007

Big Red  has none of that ,It has a similar taste to Dentyne

try it..it does get so frustrating.



akoi
Novice User Novice User Joined On 10/2006
akoi  
 
Posted On Sep 17, 2007

samuri, you could try chewing parsley as well.



stoicathos
Novice User Novice User Joined On 8/2007
stoicathos  
 
Posted On Sep 17, 2007

As far as I know, "Extra" has always been sweetened with sugar alcohol (xylitol). I can't say for certain though, since it's been a long time since I've bought gum.

Don't get gum with sugar or sweeteners other than xylitol though, or it will destroy your teeth.



artyfam
Novice User Novice User Joined On 7/2007
artyfam  
 
Posted On Sep 17, 2007

Trident chewing gum has xylitol rather than Splenda or aspertame.  They have several flavors and I have liked them all.

I have been using Stevia to sweeten my tea, but have not had good success with it in cooking.  I am trying to replace white flour with coconut flour in my recipes and need a sweetener other than sugar.  Any suggestions?



Health 1
Novice User Novice User Joined On 3/2007
Health 1  
 
Posted On Sep 17, 2007

It might be wise to be a bit cautious with Mint extract, Tincture or Spirits. For people with a predisposition to tachycardi, it has been known to  potentially trigger an episode, as can Rosemary and Siberian Ginseng. For breath freshening, parsley is often helpful and also clorophyl.

Blessings

Dr. Trudy



Rachel Reilly
Novice User Novice User Joined On 11/2006
Rachel Reilly  
 
Posted On Nov 05, 2007

For breath, I use pure peppermint oil and put one drop on my tongue.


 
 
 
Posted On Aug 29, 2007
What I find scary is that people will read this, then go get "diet" sodas with NutraSweet and Splenda to avoid sugar and
GIVE THEM TO THEIR CHILDREN.

 
Reesacat
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 1/2007
Reesacat  
Replied

neroli moonstone
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 6/2007
neroli moonstone  
 
Posted On Aug 31, 2007
Ouch, How true. How persuasive the media is. Your right, the sales of diet drinks will sky rocket with this kind of media.


BeyondOrganic
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 6/2006
BeyondOrganic  
 
Posted On Sep 02, 2007
Oh, I would eat real sugar any day over the artificial sweeteners any day!  We don't need to make formaldehyde in our brains with that fake chemical junk!  

I can't believe the people that I know who know it's bad for them and won't give up their diet sodas.  Crazy!!

 
 
 
Posted On Aug 31, 2007
Whathever the outcome of this study/debate (i try not to get to wrapped up in the politicking), i hope people don't use this as an excuse to continue consuming HFCS and think they can have a few cups of green tea to nullify the effect.
As a matter of fact the only option should be TOTAL ABSTINENCE OF THIS POISON which is slowly killing our kids. Years from now these pig headed, no good idiots (who are still in denial) will look back and see the damage their garbage products has done to our little ones......

I took the stand this week when i found out the freezie our babysitter (totally innocent cause she just don't know) was giving our kids contains HFCS, SODIUM BENZOATE amongst other things. We told her not to give it to them anymore and she totally understood, so yesterday when we went to pick them up instead of the usual freezie they were having pure water ice cubes.
 
Parents take the stand now and while it might seem somewhat harsh to not give it to them, you know you're doing the right thing.  When they grow up they will thank you for it and for me that's a VERY GREAT ACHIEVEMENT.

 
seg
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 11/2006
seg  
Replied

Katee Roux
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 7/2007
Katee Roux  
 
Posted On Aug 31, 2007
I find it bizarre that they're trying to use the tea additive to counter act the effects of HFCS instead of just making the recommendation that this not be used in "foods."

 
 
 
Posted On Aug 29, 2007
"Just because" something shows up in the lab test  is no reason to expect the same results in real life.  I wish they would apply that reasoning to Pharmaceutical drugs, maybe we would not have as many of them.  This is the first study that shows how HFCS can contribute to obesity.  There are many other studied that show HFCS does contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes and a myriad of other illnesses.

Mary

 
mmc88121
Moderator User Moderator User, Joined On 11/2006
mmc88121  
Replied

Katee Roux
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 7/2007
Katee Roux  
 
Posted On Aug 30, 2007
Agreed, on the pharmaceutical issue, Mary.

Reading the article, i thought that it is too bad they aren't consistent about this.  Pharmaceuticals are usually studied in lab first, & they say, "I wonder how we can turn this to a profit & feed it to people."  

(Here's a dream:  FDA responds to all lab reports that are "promising" with "No reason to expect these results in real life." !!!)

And as i mentioned elsewhere, if an animal study shows what they want it to, then the results are "promising."  However, if it comes up with contradictory data or results they don't expect, then they say, "questionable results," or "not relevant." 

 
 
 
Posted On Aug 29, 2007
How about a headline: 'Not Consuming Food Or Beverage With HFCS, Does Eliminate HFCS Diabetes, Hypoglycemia, Cardio Vascular Disease, Some Cancers, & Obesity Link'?

 
Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
Replied

EQ
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 3/2007
EQ  
 
Posted On Aug 30, 2007
Yeah, right!

Lets do stuff that's bad for us and take a pill or herb to cover the symptoms.

Lets grow almonds or raise milk in unsanitary conditions and then irradiate it.

It's all the same mentality.

 
 
 
 
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