Fructose is in a lot of things: from fruits and vegetables to soda and sugary cereal. While the harmful effects of too much fructose - especially high-fructose corn syrup - can lead to health problems like heart disease and high blood pressure, a new study reveals that these damaging effects can be reversed in as little as nine days. Ready for a new cleanse?

A new study conducted by Touro University California and the University of California, San Francisco also revealed that the main concern when it comes to health problems associated with a high-fructose diet is the fructose itself, not overeating. This means that reducing the consumption of fructose can quickly reverse the harmful effects.

"These preliminary findings demonstrate how rapidly we can turn things around in our bodies to live healthier and longer lives," said Shelley Berkley, CEO and Senior Provost of Touro Western Division. "We are extremely proud to be part of this game changing study that will inspire wiser choices."

Adult participants in the study stayed in a research ward at San Francisco General Hospital where their diets were carefully monitored for 18 days. To prevent overeating, all meals were provided by researchers and weight was measured each day. Fructose calories were swapped out for the same number of calories in complex carbohydrates. Researchers were able to isolate fructose as the main cause of the harmful health effects, not overeating.

"The preliminary findings of this study help educate the public on the effects of restricting fructose in your diet," said Dr. Jean-Marc Schwarz of Touro University California, lead investigator of the study.  "In this case, overeating is not the culprit. Our research suggests that a high-fructose diet alone can contribute to health problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease."

The complete study, supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the American Diabetes Association, is published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.