Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup

The two main sources of added sugar in the Western diet are high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and table sugar (sucrose). High fructose corn syrup has about 45% glucose and 55% fructose compared to sugar's 50% glucose and 50% fructose.

The fact that additional sugars can worsen inflammation, which can result in disease, is one of the reasons why they are bad for you. According to one study, mice fed diets high in sucrose developed breast cancer that spread to their lungs in part because of the inflammatory reaction to sugar. In a different study, mice fed a high-sugar diet showed reduced omega-3 fatty acid anti-inflammatory properties. Sugar's excess fructose content makes it potentially hazardous as well. Fructose found in modest amounts in fruits and vegetables is acceptable, but it's not a good idea to consume added sugars in excessive quantities.