Few food additives have received as much negative attention as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). And there are excellent reasons why this so. Read on to find out about 5 reasons why this sweetener should be avoided.
Sugar Causes Obesity when Consumed in High Doses
Sugar in any form can lead to obesity. Part of the problem is that the American diet is way too much sugar is consumed. For example, many sports drinks, sodas and tea sweetened with HFCS can have 17 or more teaspoons of sugar in them and the average teenager consumes at least two of these a day. However, there are some differences that make HFCS less desirable than regular refined sugar.
High Fructose Corn Syrup is Processed Differently by the Body
High fructose corn syrup is not natural. It is, rather, a highly modified derivative of corn stalks and the exact process by which it is extracted and chemically altered is a closely guarded secret of Archer Daniels Midland and Cargill. Its chemical form is different than that of table sugar and it breaks down much more rapidly in the body, travelling to the liver where it stimulates the production of cholesterol. This makes it much less healthy than regular sugar. However, because it is corn-based and subsidized by the United States government, it is cheaper to use and now widespread.
High Fructose Corn Syrup is Contaminated with Mercury
One FDA researcher fooled a group of corn producers into shipping her a vat of HFCS for testing by telling them she represented a soft drink company. When she tested her sample barrel and found that it contained toxic levels of mercury. Apparently this is a side effect of the way in which it is processed. After additional testing, unknown chemical compounds also turned up. The presence of these untested chemical compounds in an additive that is so widespread is troubling to say the least.
Medical and Nutritional Experts do not Support the Use of High Fructose Corn Syrup
Despite the corn industry’s PR campaign to make corn syrup seem as though it is supported by the medical community, this is simply not the case. Medical science, in fact, is uncovering disturbing evidence about this additive every day. A recent publication from the peer-reviewed American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, for instance, focused on the ways in which HFCS contributes to obesity. And this study is part of the growing body of evidence that shows the damage which this additive can do to the body.
High Fructose Corn Syrup can Indicate Poor-Quality Food
Another excellent reason to avoid HFCS is because it is generally an indicator that the product is nutritionally poor, industrially processed. It is also likely to be full of the empty calories that are one of the quickest ways to pack on extra weight and increase cholesterol levels. These products are best avoided.
In conclusion, if there is one dietary change the average consumer can make to improve their diets, it is to avoid products containing high fructose corn syrup. Even refined sugar is preferable to this. Better yet is to explore some of the natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, date sugar or agave that are available and carry with them their own array of healthful benefits while still satisfying the natural craving for sweets.
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