HFCS: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

High frustose corn syrup or HFCS for short is a genetically modified corn product that came into existence in the early 1980's. So prior to its invention, cane sugar was the most commonly used sweetener in pop, juices, processed foods etc.

Today it is the #1 source of calories and the cheapest ingredient in the American food chain. Because it is cheaper than cane sugar it is used prolifically by the food industry.

Another practical application for its use is that it is very soluble so it mixes readily in many foods.

It is sweeter than sugar and it extends the shelf life of processed foods. It is very easy to see why it has replaced sugar in pop, juices and most processed foods. In fact, by 1984 Pepsi and Coca Cola replaced all sugar in their products with it.

Many alternative health professionals suggest that its use is the reason that more people in the world suffer from overnutrition (in this case excessive calories) than undernutrition according to the United Nations.

Several studies have pointed the finger at this GMO corn product for several disturbing health problems. Keep in mind that other studies have not been conclusive about some of these issues.

HFCS is high in unbound free fructose which has been shown to promote health problems more readily than glucose. Cane sugar also has fructose but it is not unbound.

This unbound fructose has been shown to:

• increase cholesterol levels

• cause formation of blood clots

• inhibit the action of white blood cells which defend the body against invaders. See how you can boost your immune system.
  
  
• In abnormal blood sugars, high fructose corn syrup has been shown to increase the need for insulin.

• Unbound fructose converts more easily to fat.

• It has been shown to increase triglycerides and LDL. Both of these may contribute to the development of heart conditions.

  It is very interesting to note that as its use increases so has the rate of overweight, heart problems, and abnormal blood sugars.

  Because it is a GMO it's safety is suspect.

  Most people get too much sugar in their diet. Therefore, it is important to try to limit all sweeteners.

  How do you avoid HFCS and other sweeteners in your diet?

  1. Reduce your consumption of processed foods. Most if not all of these foods have this GMO corn product in them. If you must use processed foods buy organic ones. It isn't certain but more unlikely that these products will contain HFCS.

  2. Avoid all pop and sweetened beverages. Very few juice drinks don't contain this ingredient in them. You'll know them by their cost and they will be clearly labelled.

  3. Eat whole foods that are not processed. This includes canned fruits and other foods that have added sugar.

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