High fructose corn syrup: Worse than sugar?

According to a new Princeton University study, high fructose corn sugar may indeed be something to avoid.  Some background from the authors:

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) accounts for as much as 40% of caloric sweeteners used in the United States. Some studies have shown that short-term access to HFCS can cause increased body weight, but the findings are mixed. . . . . 

The authors of the present study found that

Over the course of 6 or 7months, both male and female rats with access to HFCS gained significantly more body weight than control groups. This increase in body weight with HFCS was accompanied by an increase in adipose fat, notably in the abdominal region, and elevated circulating triglyceride levels. Translated to humans, these results suggest that excessive consumption of HFCS may contribute to the incidence of obesity.

For an interesting discussion of the findings of the present study, check out Corante

As I blogged elsewhere, the obesity question aside, there is another excellent reason to prefer sugar over high fructose corn syrup sweetened beverages.