High Fructose Corn Syrup Myths Article

Jun 28

High Fructose Corn Syrup Myths

Over the last twenty years, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) has become a dominant ingredient in many foods that are found in cupboards of most Americans. It is even marketed as an ingredient in diet foods and drinks such as diet sodas. What exactly is HFCS and why is it bad for a healthy diet? The following article addresses common myths associated with HFCS so you can truly know what you are ingesting.

1. HFCS is “a natural, homegrown sweetener”.
HFCS is neither natural nor homegrown. It is originally made from corn starch, but then undergoes a rigorous chemical process that creates separate fructose and glucose molecules.

2. HFCS is a “nutritive sweetener”.
HFCS is not nutritive. The body does not process amounts of simple fructose and glucose in the same way as sucrose. Therefore insulin production is negatively affected. Also, extra carbohydrates are turned into fat instead of being metabolized to glycogen.

3. HFCS “can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet”.
HFCS cannot really be part of a balanced diet. The body interprets the sweetness as having eaten food, but doesn’t register any of the calories. This makes the body crave something more. This is anything but a balanced diet.

4. HFCS is “generally recognized as safe”.
It can be safe, but not in the huge amounts as people are using it in today. The consumption of HFCS has grown 250% percent over the last 15 years. In large amounts, it contributes to obesity and type II diabetes.

5. “HFCS contains approximately the equal ratios of fructose and glucose, similar to table sugar”
It is not similar to table sugar. There is no bond between the two molecules, and therefore the body does not recognize parts of it, and therefore it bypasses the process of breaking down the molecules.

6. “The human body cannot discern a difference between HFCS, table sugar, and honey”
The body can tell a difference. The body’s cells aren’t registering the fructose as a signal to increase insulin production to burn it up, and so instead it gets burned as fat. There is no enzyme in the body to break down HFCS, as it is already broken down. There are such enzymes for both table sugar and honey.

7. “HFCS has proved beneficial”
HFCS is being linked with the growth of obesity and type II diabetes.

8. HFCS is included in “several products that are specially made for people trying to control their weight.”
The mind doesn’t register HFCS as caloric intake, and therefore the body craves to eat something more. This explains why even those who drink diet soda or take part in these diet plans of HFCS still gain weight.