Attention, college students cramming between midterms and finals: Binging on soda and sweets for as little as six weeks may make you stupid.
A new UCLA rat study is the first to show how a diet steadily high in fructose slows the brain, hampering memory and learning — and how omega-3 fatty acids can counteract the disruption. The peer-reviewed Journal of Physiology publishes the findings in its May 15 edition.
"Our findings illustrate that what you eat affects how you think," said Fernando Gomez-Pinilla, a professor of neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a professor of integrative biology and physiology in the UCLA College of Letters and Science. "Eating a high-fructose diet over the long term alters your brain's ability to learn and remember information. But adding omega-3 fatty acids to your meals can help minimize the damage."
While earlier research has revealed how fructose harms the body through its role in diabetes, obesity and fatty liver, this study is the first to uncover how the sweetener influences the brain.
Check out the extended article in the link above if you'd like to read the additional info.
Now I can add this to list of reasons why I avoid products with high-fructose corn-syrup.
When information started circling around about how bad this stuff was, the Corn refiners association put out propaganda ads saying it was fine. What's funny is the CRA is a Washington DC based trade association. Hilarious considering (to the best of my knowledge anyway) there are no mills in DC. That alone suggests they're likely just a lobbyist group. The propaganda videos further solidifies that.
Quoted from Wikipedia:
Members of the CRA include Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, Incorporated, Corn Products International, Inc./National Starch, Penford Products Co., Roquette America, Inc. and Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas.
After doing a little digging, and I didn't have to do much... I found that Archer Daniels Midland has a pretty shady background, as well as affiliations/partnerships with Monsanto.
The same came be said for Cargill, who also has ties to Monsanto. Since 2000, they've had several million pounds of meat products recalled due to bacterial contamination and infection. A lot of it is to do with the GMO products they feed the livestock. Pretty disgusting.
It's funny that you posted this because I was already aware of the dangers of this stuff, and always diligently search for it (or any of the pseudonyms it's been given) in the list of ingredients when I'm buying food. You will honestly struggle to buy any cake, dessert or sweet product from a supermarket that doesn't contain it. Between that and the fact that I've hard to cut dairy down to a bare minimum as I appear to be somewhat intolerant to it, it's completely ruined my life! I was only interested in eating cheese, chocolate and cakes, everything else is just filler! I've had to switch to a diet comprised almost entirely of meat and potatoes in an effort to console myself.
The true measure of a man is not his intelligence or how high he rises in this freak establishment. The true measure of a man is this: how quickly he can respond to the needs of others and how much of himself he can give - Philip K. Dick.
It's funny that you posted this because I was already aware of the dangers of this stuff, and always diligently search for it (or any of the pseudonyms it's been given) in the list of ingredients when I'm buying food. You will honestly struggle to buy any cake, dessert or sweet product from a supermarket that doesn't contain it. Between that and the fact that I've hard to cut dairy down to a bare minimum as I appear to be somewhat intolerant to it, it's completely ruined my life! I was only interested in eating cheese, chocolate and cakes, everything else is just filler! I've had to switch to a diet comprised almost entirely of meat and potatoes in an effort to console myself.
Same here. I was aware of several unconfirmed associations with HFC and Attention deficit disorder. This was the first peer reviewed study I have crossed that confirms it's neurological effects though.
Like you, I search to see if it's listed in products. You're right, it is difficult to find things that aren't made with it in the major chain stores. I've had luck at organic stores, farmers markets. One appealing thing locally is a small chain of grocery stores put together by a coalition of local organic farmers. They stock the things they grow, make, and raise. It's extremely fresh. It's a smart move too, because they were being phased out by the big chains.
Dairy doesn't agree with me either, especially the heavily pasteurized kind. Like you, I'm also down to cheeses, chocolates, and a bite of cake here and there. I don't drink cows milk anymore. I drink almond milk, and I love it. It has more calcium than milk, no lactose, lots of omega-3, and a bunch of other vitamins.
Form is merely a momentary manifestation of being, not a fixed reality.
History doesn't repeat itself, uninformed people repeat history.
To all progressive endeavors great or small, come unforeseen benefits on a scale larger than most give pause or contemplation of.
I would say its the corn syrup thats more of a problem than the fructose.
Fructose is a natural sugar, too much of any of the sugars is a bad thing same as anything else I guess..
“Fascists are not human. A snake is more human.” - Hugo Chávez
Thanks for posting this article, Mrindigo. I am going to share it with some folks
I avoid this stuff completely and have never liked the taste of it. Its in almost every condiment and beverage, well it seems to be unless people begin exploring the alternatives that are becoming increasingly more available to us.
Someone mentioned that cactus honey powder in this thread (me forgots who it was) but yes, I have read that it is just as bad in various places on the net.
I just use good ole honey and raw sugar now if I must.
I drink almond milk, and I love it. It has more calcium than milk, no lactose, lots of omega-3, and a bunch of other vitamins.
Where can I get some almond milk? sounds great!!
My two pennies worth on the HFCS/GFS/refined sugar thing: I believe that all refined sugars are bad for us. And I can't see how natural sugars can be 'bad' for anyone. I've never heard of anyone ending up with severe health problems via eating to much fruit
I tend to stick to manuka honey and fruit. I do eat the odd naughty bit of cake from time to time, and drink the odd beer or two , but like wake_up_bomb pointed out, you can't get any sweet stuff in a supermarket that doesn't have GFS/HFCS in it. Same goes for savoury snacks and MSG.
I want some almond milk!
I've been on goats milk for a while now. I like it but I'd love to try something else
I love almond milk, too. And rice milk. They have a very clean and refreshing taste. The last time I had cow's milk, I could literally taste the puss in it
I admit I still have a thing or two for cheese though..
If you talk to anyone who has recently switched, or is considering a switch, to a plant-based diet, more often than not, they claim that cheese is their weakness. So why is this? After all, doesn’t cheese smell like dirty socks?
The answer is casomorphins—protein fragments, derived from the digestion of the milk protein, Casein. The distinguishing characteristic of casomorphins is that they have an opioid effect. Yup. Opioids are among the world’s oldest known drugs. Dependence can develop with ongoing administration, leading to withdrawal syndromes with abrupt discontinuation. Opioids are well known for their ability to produce a feeling of euphoria, motivating some to recreationally use opioids. But if it’s already a huge part of our diets in America, so who will actually have to experience the uncomfy withdrawl? You guessed it. Those who try to kick dairy to the curb.
I had to stop eating cheese, which I used to love and eat all the time, and I got withdrawal symptoms like you would not believe. I got a splitting migraine-like headache every day for a month. My body was absolutely craving it. I haven't eaten any for months, and I still crave it all the time! That's because it is literally the crack-cocaine of food!
You can read an article about someone's even worse withdrawal symptoms here:
This is why, if you go in Pizza Hut for example, they have stuffed crust pizzas. You think you're getting a treat, but they're just trying to get as much of the addictive stuff into their product as possible. It's why whenever you go to any fast food place, Subway, McDonald's, etc, they're constantly saying to you, "do you want extra cheese?". You end up getting addicted to their food, and you don't even know why!
The true measure of a man is not his intelligence or how high he rises in this freak establishment. The true measure of a man is this: how quickly he can respond to the needs of others and how much of himself he can give - Philip K. Dick.
If you talk to anyone who has recently switched, or is considering a switch, to a plant-based diet, more often than not, they claim that cheese is their weakness. So why is this? After all, doesn’t cheese smell like dirty socks?
The answer is casomorphins—protein fragments, derived from the digestion of the milk protein, Casein. The distinguishing characteristic of casomorphins is that they have an opioid effect. Yup. Opioids are among the world’s oldest known drugs. Dependence can develop with ongoing administration, leading to withdrawal syndromes with abrupt discontinuation. Opioids are well known for their ability to produce a feeling of euphoria, motivating some to recreationally use opioids. But if it’s already a huge part of our diets in America, so who will actually have to experience the uncomfy withdrawl? You guessed it. Those who try to kick dairy to the curb.
I had to stop eating cheese, which I used to love and eat all the time, and I got withdrawal symptoms like you would not believe. I got a splitting migraine-like headache every day for a month. My body was absolutely craving it. I haven't eaten any for months, and I still crave it all the time! That's because it is literally the crack-cocaine of food!
You can read an article about someone's even worse withdrawal symptoms here:
This is why, if you go in Pizza Hut for example, they have stuffed crust pizzas. You think you're getting a treat, but they're just trying to get as much of the addictive stuff into their product as possible. It's why whenever you go to any fast food place, Subway, McDonald's, etc, they're constantly saying to you, "do you want extra cheese?". You end up getting addicted to their food, and you don't even know why!
Hmm, well I would not say that I am addicted... but I do love the occasional sharp cheddar mac and cheese at family gatherings and a slice of swiss on a sandwich here & there. A cheesy lasagna is so yummeh sometimes.
Sorry to hear about the unpleasant side effects you were having, too.
And thanks for posting that information! I had no clue but it makes good proper sense.
If you talk to anyone who has recently switched, or is considering a switch, to a plant-based diet, more often than not, they claim that cheese is their weakness. So why is this? After all, doesn’t cheese smell like dirty socks?
The answer is casomorphins—protein fragments, derived from the digestion of the milk protein, Casein. The distinguishing characteristic of casomorphins is that they have an opioid effect. Yup. Opioids are among the world’s oldest known drugs. Dependence can develop with ongoing administration, leading to withdrawal syndromes with abrupt discontinuation. Opioids are well known for their ability to produce a feeling of euphoria, motivating some to recreationally use opioids. But if it’s already a huge part of our diets in America, so who will actually have to experience the uncomfy withdrawl? You guessed it. Those who try to kick dairy to the curb.
I had to stop eating cheese, which I used to love and eat all the time, and I got withdrawal symptoms like you would not believe. I got a splitting migraine-like headache every day for a month. My body was absolutely craving it. I haven't eaten any for months, and I still crave it all the time! That's because it is literally the crack-cocaine of food!
You can read an article about someone's even worse withdrawal symptoms here:
This is why, if you go in Pizza Hut for example, they have stuffed crust pizzas. You think you're getting a treat, but they're just trying to get as much of the addictive stuff into their product as possible. It's why whenever you go to any fast food place, Subway, McDonald's, etc, they're constantly saying to you, "do you want extra cheese?". You end up getting addicted to their food, and you don't even know why!
Hmmm living in Ireland I can tell you I get withdrawal symptoms for wensleydale or lancashire cheese.
You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get :/
“Fascists are not human. A snake is more human.” - Hugo Chávez
Hmmm living in Ireland I can tell you I get withdrawal symptoms for wensleydale or lancashire cheese.
You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get :/
Wensleydale I loved. Actually, I love any cheese. I used to buy Double Gloucester, Cheddar, Red Leicester, feta, and my favourite brie, every time I set foot in a shop! I do miss it, unfortunately I seem to have minor lactose intolerance.
I heard that Irish cheddar is the dog's whatnots.
The true measure of a man is not his intelligence or how high he rises in this freak establishment. The true measure of a man is this: how quickly he can respond to the needs of others and how much of himself he can give - Philip K. Dick.
This is why, if you go in Pizza Hut for example, they have stuffed crust pizzas. You think you're getting a treat, but they're just trying to get as much of the addictive stuff into their product as possible. It's why whenever you go to any fast food place, Subway, McDonald's, etc, they're constantly saying to you, "do you want extra cheese?". You end up getting addicted to their food, and you don't even know why!
Wow. That totally makes sense. I think I now understand some of my friend's cravings.
I would say its the corn syrup thats more of a problem than the fructose.
Fructose is a natural sugar, too much of any of the sugars is a bad thing same as anything else I guess..
Yeah, it is. The problem with HFC is that most of it is developed via GMO Frankencorn. They're genetically infused with pesticides which alter brain function and hormonal distribution. It's thought to be largely responsible for CCD (Colony collapse disorder) in honey bees as well. Nasty stuff. boywonder wrote:
Where can I get some almond milk? sounds great!!
My two pennies worth on the HFCS/GFS/refined sugar thing: I believe that all refined sugars are bad for us. And I can't see how natural sugars can be 'bad' for anyone. I've never heard of anyone ending up with severe health problems via eating to much fruit
I tend to stick to manuka honey and fruit. I do eat the odd naughty bit of cake from time to time, and drink the odd beer or two , but like wake_up_bomb pointed out, you can't get any sweet stuff in a supermarket that doesn't have GFS/HFCS in it. Same goes for savoury snacks and MSG.
I want some almond milk!
I've been on goats milk for a while now. I like it but I'd love to try something else
I live in the US, so locations may be different for you if you live in the UK. I pick it up at organic grocery stores, local farmers coalition grocery stores, and some of the big chain stores like Big-Y, Whole foods, etc. It has the viscosity of whole milk, which I like. I’ve been cooking with it a lot lately, and haven’t noticed any difference between it and cows milk. The dishes come out the same.
WUB's explanation of cheese addiction makes a lot of sense to me. I haven't experienced any headaches from it, but I do find myself craving it. Here in the US a lot of the cheeses used in places like fast food restaurants are heavily processed and loaded with MSG. That's certainly not helping either, as it also has addictive qualities. No wonder this nation has such a problem with obesity.
Form is merely a momentary manifestation of being, not a fixed reality.
History doesn't repeat itself, uninformed people repeat history.
To all progressive endeavors great or small, come unforeseen benefits on a scale larger than most give pause or contemplation of.
WUB's explanation of cheese addiction makes a lot of sense to me. I haven't experienced any headaches from it, but I do find myself craving it. Here in the US a lot of the cheeses used in places like fast food restaurants are heavily processed and loaded with MSG. That's certainly not helping either, as it also has addictive qualities. No wonder this nation has such a problem with obesity.
Totally. As far as I can see it is no different in many parts of Europe. I've spent a lot of time in Spain, Poland, Italy, Greece, and Germany. The 'extra cheese' monster seems to have a foothold in places I didn't expect to see it, I used to eat really good homemade goats cheese occasionally, in various parts of the southern med. But even in those places the general populace were ditching there beautiful organic goats cheese in favour of 'stuffed crust' at pizza hut
WUB's explanation of cheese addiction makes a lot of sense to me. I haven't experienced any headaches from it, but I do find myself craving it. Here in the US a lot of the cheeses used in places like fast food restaurants are heavily processed and loaded with MSG. That's certainly not helping either, as it also has addictive qualities. No wonder this nation has such a problem with obesity.
boywonder wrote:
wake_up_bomb wrote:
This is why, if you go in Pizza Hut for example, they have stuffed crust pizzas. You think you're getting a treat, but they're just trying to get as much of the addictive stuff into their product as possible. It's why whenever you go to any fast food place, Subway, McDonald's, etc, they're constantly saying to you, "do you want extra cheese?". You end up getting addicted to their food, and you don't even know why!
Wow. That totally makes sense. I think I now understand some of my friend's cravings.
Glad I'm not a cheese person!
If you watch this video, you can hear Neal Barnard MD talking about it. He particularly talks about cheese addiction at about 1:38 into the video.
The true measure of a man is not his intelligence or how high he rises in this freak establishment. The true measure of a man is this: how quickly he can respond to the needs of others and how much of himself he can give - Philip K. Dick.
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, but like wake_up_bomb pointed out, you can't get any sweet stuff in a supermarket that doesn't have GFS/HFCS in it. Same goes for savoury snacks and MSG.
