Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Bad For You?

"High Fructose Corn Syrup isn't bad. It's made from corn, so it must be 'natural'"


The above statement is one made by supporters of High Fructose Corn Syrup, otherwise known as HFCS.


Unless you've lived under a rock, you know that this ingredient has received a lot of attention. So what is it and is it bad for you?


What exactly is High Fructose Corn Syrup?


High Fructose Corn Syrup is "a sweetener made by processing corn syrup to increase the level of fructose, usually to between 42% and 55% of the total sugar, with the balance being glucose. It is used extensively as a sweetener in processed foods and soft drinks, particularly soda and baked goods, but it is included also in many foods not normally thought of as sweet foods." (http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/high-fructose+corn+syrup)


In simple English HFCS is a sweetener similar to sugar.


Why is it used?

• Because it's cheap to produce and any sensible business model would promote using a cheap alternative to sugar.
• Because it can regulate flavors and maintain consistency during shelf life of a product

Is it that bad?


Let's be clear: High Fructose Corn Syrup is used in many foods today (see this list for an idea: http://www.accidentalhedonist.com/index.php/2005/06/09/foods_and_products_containing_high_fruct)


But this ingredient is not the problem - it's sugar in general! The average American consumes 156 pounds of added sugar per year - that's 31 5 pound bags!!! (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=56589)


Consuming that much added sugar is not good for you! (Unless you are a super athlete and even then you still have to watch it!)


Sugar raises your blood sugar level, contributes to obesity, causes fatigue, can lead to binge eating, contribute to weakened eyesight and more! See the full list at: http://bodyecology.com/articles/25_reasons_to_avoid_sugar.php


So, what should I do?


Buy products without High Fructose Corn Syrup where possible! Remember even "savory" items contain this ingredient! From bread to ketchup to frozen fruit - check every item and be wary. "Organic" products are the only ones that do not use High Fructose Corn Syrup - so you're better off buying those.


If you are really having a craving for something sweet - eat fresh fruit or at the very least - a dessert with real sugar or honey once in a while.


Remember, it's your body! Take care of it! :-)


Thanks for reading! Please see the links at the end for further reading.


Any questions? Feel free to contact me at asiffasih@hotmail.com


-Asif Fasih


Further Reading:
http://www.diet-blog.com/08/the_real_truth_about_high_fructose_corn_syrup.php
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/10/eveningnews/main6286934.shtml
http://bodyecology.com/articles/25_reasons_to_avoid_sugar.php
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=56589