High Fructose Corn Syrup

With the mixed messages regarding high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) streaming through the media, the public is finding itself at a cross-roads again! Is it healthy? If it’s not healthy, is it harmful?

Most people would agree HFCS is unhealthy. Recently manufacturers began funding commercials (approximately $30 million) aiming to convince the public that HFCS is healthy because it is made from corn. As we all know, just because a product is derived from something that is not harmful does not mean the new product is safe as well.

Here are the facts for HFCS:
-The number one source of calories in the United States is HFCS
-The average American consumes 12 teaspoons of HFCS daily
-Teens and other “high consumers” may consume up to 80% more
-HFCS contains mercury. Mercury is toxic in any form!
-HFCS is metabolized as fat in your body far FASTER than ANY OTHER sugar
-HFCS is linked to: Diabetes, Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, increase in Triglycerides and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, and Liver disease, just to name a few.
-Fructose contains NO enzymes therefore it takes micro-nutrients from your body instead of nourishing your body.

You decide if it is something you want to consume!

If you decide HFCS is not for you (which I hope you do!) then simply begin to look for it in the ingredients of the food you eat and then AVOID it! Often times it can be hidden in dressings, marinades, candy, juices, snacks, etc. The number one source of HFCS is soda, although some of the “natural” ones sold at Whole Foods or other health food stores do not contain HFCS.