A study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California analyzed the chemical makeup of more than 30 popular soda and juice brands and found that most of the beverages made with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contained 50% more fructose than glucose. Moreover, many of the beverage labels failed to accurately represent the amount of fructose in each drink.
“We found what ends up being consumed in these beverages is neither natural sugar nor HFCS, but instead a fructose-intense concoction that could increase one’s risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and liver disease,” said a study author. “The human body isn’t designed to process this form of sugar at such high levels. Unlike glucose, which serves as fuel for the body, fructose is processed almost entirely in the liver where it is converted to fat.”