Understanding the Role of Fructose in Redox Balance
Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola
Reviewed by Keith W. Vrbicky, Sr., MD
March 13, 2025
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Glucose and fructose, two simple sugars, behave differently in your body. Glucose provides quick energy while fructose goes directly to your liver
- Fructose in whole fruits is paired with fiber and nutrients that slow absorption, while processed fructose like high-fructose corn syrup flood your liver with sugar
- Excessive fructose consumption leads to de novo lipogenesis in the liver, resulting in fat buildup and an increased risk of fatty liver disease
- Processed sugars, unlike whole fruits, create rapid blood sugar spikes that put stress on insulin production and increases the risk of metabolic issues
- Consuming whole fruits with natural sugars supports a healthier metabolism by delivering fiber, water, and antioxidants that balance sugar absorption