People love sweetness - its natural - but HFCS is not
What is it?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a form of corn syrup which has undergone enzymatic processing in order to increase its fructose content.
Since its introduction, HFCS has replaced the sugar in many processed foods. The main reasons for this switch are:
- HFCS is cheaper than natural sugar due to corn subsidies and sugar import tariffs; a phenomenon found mainly in the United States.
- HFCS is easier to blend and transport because it is a liquid.
- HFCS has a much longer shelf life.
- HFCS has a sweeter taste than sucrose or sugar.
Why should I be concerned?
Studies by researchers at University of California, Davis and the University of Michigan have shown that fructose increases the levels of triglycerides (fat) in the bloodstream. Fructose is converted to fat by the liver.
Unlike glucose (simple sugar), fructose does not stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin which signals the brain to turn down your appetite and control body weight. Furthermore, Dr. Peter Havel, a nutrition researcher at UC Davis who studies the metabolic effects of fructose, found that fructose does not increase the production of leptin which also signals the body to control the appetite and Dr. Havel found it does not suppress the production of ghrelin a hormone that increases hunger and appetite.
Simply stated, fructose turns off your body’s “full” signal…so you eat too much! In addition to the metabolic effects of fructose, high-fructose corn syrup is sweeter than sugar encouraging us to want more.
Dr. Havel is not convinced that HFCS is the only problem, but - the rate of HFCS consumption is the main concern. Food scientists will tell you there is nothing wrong with HFCS as long as it is consumed in moderation.
The overuse of HFCS in processed foods has made it difficult to avoid. According to the Department of Agriculture the average person in the US consumed almost 63 pounds of high-fructose corn syrup in 2001. HFCS is found in almost every kind of processed food. We encourage you to read more about HFCS and take the HFCS challenge. You will be amazed to find out how many of the foods you may be eating or feeding your kids contain HFCS!
Take the challenge!
The challenge is to find 5 processed food items in your kitchen that do not contain high-fructose corn syrup as an ingredient. The goal of the challenge is to bring to your attention the amount of HFCS you may ingest on a daily basis. Be sure to check food you would never suspect: croutons, pasta, bread, cereal, jelly or jam, peanut butter, soda, and fruit juice. You are going to be amazed!
Remember…as consumers we have the power of choice, the more we choose food items that do not contain HFCS the less manufacturers will use it.
Send us an email telling us about your experience with the challenge. If you have a favorite food that does not contain HFCS, let us know we plan to set up a page on our site dedicated to helping you find products that are free of HFCS.