Summer gatherings often come with sugary treats and alcoholic drinks—but both may be bigger contributors to obesity and chronic disease than most people realize.
Here’s why:
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Sugar is unique because it contains both glucose and fructose. While glucose can be used by nearly every cell in the body, fructose is metabolized only in the liver, where it turns into fat and damages liver health. This process mirrors the way alcohol is broken down.
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High fructose intake is linked to insulin resistance, gout, hypertension, high triglycerides, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.
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Alcohol, like sugar, burdens the liver. The result can be inflammation, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and increased diabetes risk.
In moderation, the body can handle some sugar and alcohol, but overconsumption creates serious health risks. True summer joy isn’t found in food and drink—it’s found in time spent with family, friends, and shared experiences.