High Fructose Corn Syrup: The Facts

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How Unhealthy is Corn Syrup?

Corn syrup, also known as corn sugar, is a product that is consumed by many, is a comprehensive process of a refined and artificial product and is created in a process that changes cornstarch into a thick, clear liquid.

Corn syrup is much sweeter than sugar, is twice as unhealthy and difficult to digest. Studies have found that once corn syrup enters the body, it goes straight to the liver and then begins to release enzymes, which later tells the body to store fat. When this happens, the fat in our blood levels go high, as well as cholesterol levels.

In addition, some research studies have shown that consuming corn sugar does not stimulate insulin production and this may lead to overeating. Also, corn sugar lowers chromium levels and this could lead to type 2 diabetes. It is advisable to read carefully food labels because corn surgar can be found in sodas, juices, baked beans, cookies, ketsup, baby food and other food products. It is also important to note that corn syrup is produced through an enzymatic processing “where glucose is converted into fructose and mixed with corn syrup.” During one of the steps in this process corn sugar is “contaminated with mercury.” Heintz (2010)

Other ways in which corn sugar can affect our health are: the likelihood of tooth infections and decay, the increased risk of hear disease, anemia, a poor immune system, constant fatigue and possible mood swings and a withdrawal from family and other social activities.

The American Heart Association recommends that women should consume only 100 calories a day from other sugar sources and that American men should consume no more than 150 calories a day from other sugar sources.

The best ways to eliminate corn sugar in your diet are: by staying away from sugary food products, non-diet sodas, frosted cereals and sugar filled doughnuts, by drinking plenty of water, limiting processed foods in your diet such as cakes and cookies, by eating more vegetables, fresh fruits, yogurt and substituting whole-grain crackers instead of cookies and candy.

In addition, by eating more meals at home, reading labels at the grocery store and exercising in moderation, you will keep your body healthy, trim and fit. Another great way to keep corn sugar out of your life is to diet when you grocery shop. As you pull the products from the shelves, first read the labels before putting them in your cart. If you see HFCS, modified corn starch or fructose on the label, put it back on the shelf. Also, there are other, more healthful, alternatives to corn sugar and they are: Tapioca syrup, rice syrup, organic sugar and cane juice. Spenda is also recommended as one of the more healthful ways when wanting to add a sugar taste to beverages and when adding to certain recipes.

Glenda (2011) writes that “This manufactured fructose is sweeter than sugar in an unhealthy way and is digested differently in a bad way. Research has shown that ‘high fructose corn syrup’ goes directly to the liver…

References:

Glenda, Mary (2011) What is Worse Than Sugar? Retrieved May 4, 2011 from: http://www.noweightgaincookbooks.com/worse_than_sugar.htm

Heinz (2010) Retrieved May 9, 2011 from