Glucose can be used by every cell in your body. Fructose can only be metabolized by the liver. Research by Lustig shows when the average American consumes 60+ grams of fructose daily, the liver becomes overwhelmed, converts fructose to fat, and fatty liver disease develops—the same process as alcoholic liver disease, but from sugar. The liver pays the price for America’s sugar consumption.
This companion covers the metabolic difference, what happens in the liver, and practical implications. (4 min read)