High Fructose Corn Syrup and Trans Fat Article

Jun 28

High Fructose Corn Syrup and Trans Fat

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and partially hydrogenated cooking oils (trans fat) are basically taking over the food industry, and the lives of many Americans.

One of the reasons trans fat and HFCS have made their way into our diets is perhaps because no one fully understands what they are, most just figure that they’re as good as a natural sweetener, or that they’re just another chemical that doesn’t make a difference. But in fact it’s nothing like that at all. Trans fats lower the levels of particles that eliminate bad cholesterol from blood vessels. It increases the risk of blood platelets to form artery-blocking clots. HFCS is not much better. The human body has enzymes that break down regular sugar (sucrose) into two smaller molecules, called fructose and glucose. HFCS is already broken down into separate molecules of fructose and glucose. The body’s cells don’t register this already broken down fructose as a signal to increase insulin production (as it would when it breaks it down itself) to burn it up, and so instead it gets stored as fat. The body interprets the sweetness as having eaten food, but doesn’t register any of the calories. This makes the body crave something more; and this is where the epidemic begins.

The growth of consumption of HFCS and trans fat has increased 250% over the last 15 years. It is now being used in our supermarkets in cookies, crackers, and other processed foods in order to prolong shelf life. It is in our soda beverages. It is being used in fast-food chains nationwide. It is found in school cafeterias. And what is this increase doing? It has been linked to contributions to obesity, type II diabetes, and a higher risk of heart disease. In addition, former President Clinton reported that this increase in obesity has caused more than a quarter of the rise in health-care costs, something every tax payer should be aware of.

People are now taking a stand against the use of these two products. Companies must now clearly display the use of trans fat in their food on the labels of the product. There are lawyers preparing court cases, comparing certain food and drink corporations to tobacco corporations. Many are calling for a “ban” on trans fats, restriction of sales, regulation of advertising, and more clearly visible warnings on the packages of products using HFCS and trans fats. And while some Americans will remain on their high trans fat, high HFCS diets, many are learning that no good can come from these products.