High Fructose Corn Syrup

Do you know that HFCS is present in nearly everything you eat? High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener and preservative, made from corn, which contains either 42 percent or 55 percent fructose. The remaining sugars are primarily glucose and other sugars.

HFCS production involves changing of glucose in cornstarch to fructose; and at the end, it contains both glucose and fructose.

HFCS is present as an important ingredient, in numerous food products like pizzas, baked beans, candies, yeast breads, sweetened yogurt, baby food, ketchup, cookies, beer, sodas, juices, etc. Such products are common in almost all grocery store-shelves in the United States.

Corn is packed with starch (1.25 calorie per 1 gram), proteins and carbohydrates and is used in the form of a sweetener in almost all soft drinks, because one corn bushel can sweeten 400 cans of soft drinks.

The well-known HFCS facts are that it extends the shelf life of processed food and that it is cheaper than sugar. So, it is present in sodas, fruit flavored drinks, bread and many other processed foods.

If we consider HFCS vs sugar, HFCS is worse for health than white sugar. Most of the information about HFCS health risks lacks scientific merit, leaving consumers confused about what is fact and what is not.

The U.S. Agriculture Department reports that Americans consume more HFCS than white sugar. Statistics show that annual consumption of HFCS today is more than 60 pounds per person against the consumption of 1/2 pound per person in 1970.

It is commercially preferred because it is cheap and easy to transport in tankers and it is not susceptible to freezer burn as is sugar. It is cheaper than white sugar because of government trade policies that encourage farmers to grow more corn.

It prevents food from drying and gives bread and baked products a wonderful color. It also increases the shelf life of so many processed food products. So it is used by popular fast food chains and is also preferred by the manufacturers of foods and drinks. Now, let us take a look at HFCS dangers.

• HFCS is highly refined artificial product. This type of manufactured fructose is digested differently by the body. It goes directly to the liver which releases enzymes, instructing the body to store more fat, leading to an increase in cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels.

• Regular consumption of HFCS leads to low chromium levels, resulting in type 2 diabetes.

• Studies show that obesity is associated with increased consumption of sweetened beverages containing HFCS. Beverages and foods having HFCS are said to be high in calories and low in nutritional values.

• Excessive consumption of HFCS can make us fat and can lead to type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease or high blood pressure.
• HFCS does not stimulate the production of insulin which offers you the feeling of 'being full'. Thus, HFCS makes people eat more than they should.

If you're worried about the amount of high-fructose corn syrup in your diet, consider these tips:

• Drink less soda.
• Avoid processed food.
• Avoid foods containing added sugar.

• Never replace milk, especially for children, with sweetened beverages.
• You should opt for fruit canned in its own juices instead of heavy syrups.
• Enjoy eating fresh fruits, rather than drinking fruit flavored drinks or fruit juices.

The topic 'use of high fructose corn syrup' is fiercely debated by health and fitness buffs. Manufacturers of HFCS claim that it is not harmful for your health. Consumers are always left confused. It is always better to opt for natural products, home-made foods and natural drinks.