Is Cane Sugar Better? Unpacking the Health Impact of High Fructose Corn Syrup

Is Cane Sugar Better? Unpacking the Health Impact of High Fructose Corn Syrup

Released Monday, 21st July 2025
Good episode? Give it some love!
Is Cane Sugar Better? Unpacking the Health Impact of High Fructose Corn Syrup

Is Cane Sugar Better? Unpacking the Health Impact of High Fructose Corn Syrup

Is Cane Sugar Better? Unpacking the Health Impact of High Fructose Corn Syrup

Is Cane Sugar Better? Unpacking the Health Impact of High Fructose Corn Syrup

Monday, 21st July 2025
Good episode? Give it some love!
Rate Episode
List

Did you know that high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener found in everything from soda to salad dressing, has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and inflammation?

In this episode, I explore a surprising claim by Donald Trump that Coca Cola may switch from high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar—and use this as a springboard to explore the health concerns around high fructose corn syrup. I break down what it is, why it's used so widely in processed foods, and the many health risks it poses, from obesity and diabetes to inflammation and high blood pressure. I even share a patient story that highlights its real-life impact. While cane sugar isn’t a healthy food either, it may have fewer metabolic downsides. Regardless of whether Coca Cola makes the switch, I emphasize the power we have to read labels, reduce added sugar, choose more whole foods, and make smarter decisions for our health.

Tune in to learn how cutting back on hidden sugars like high fructose corn syrup can transform your health and energy!

 

Episode Highlights:

  • Trump’s claim about Coca Cola switching to cane sugar

  • What high fructose corn syrup is and why it’s widely used

  • Health risks linked to high fructose corn syrup

  • Real-life patient story on soda and high blood pressure

  • Differences between cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup

  • Practical tips for reducing added sugar in your diet



Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:



About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, “Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

 

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

Show More