Many young people these days choose processed foods over healthier options like fruits and vegetables, which contain high levels of vitamins and antioxidants. A new study suggests that this may contribute to heart health complications later in life.

Researchers educed that consumption of fructose particularly affects a person's cardiovascular well-being. They said that it would be important to understand the full impacts of this sugar when developing dietary habits.

The key is the manner in which the body metabolizes different sugars. They pointed out that there is no more fructose in high-fructose corn syrup, which is added to numerous processed foods, than there is in table sugar. However, some aspect of processing appears to change the structure of fructose in such a way that causes the body to handle it differently.

In order to help young adults make smarter food choices, the researchers said it is important to establish good dietary habits in children. This may enable them to choose vitamin- and antioxidant- rich fruits and vegetables rather than processed foods, which may negatively impact their heart health.