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