High Fructose Corn Syrup - You Know What They Say About It

In recent years, high fructose corn syrup has undergone tremendous scrutiny. Many nutrition experts believe this sweetener is the cause of obesity in America. Healthcare providers have expressed concern that increased consumption of high fructose corn syrup can lead to diabetes, heart disease, raised cholesterol levels and cancer.

High fructose corn syrup has even become a political issue. In 2006, state Representative, Juan C. Zapata introduced a bill which would ban HFCS in Florida public schools. Although the bill never made it out of committee, Zapata left a lasting impression when he called corn syrup the "crack of sweeteners."[i]

High fructose corn syrup is derived from corn starch. In order to obtain the crystal clear liquid, corn starch must be processed to yield glucose, which is further broken down into fructose. Enzymes are added to break down cornstarch including alpha-amylase, glucoamylase and glucose-isomerase. Although the process is complicated, high fructose corn syrup is cheaper than other sweeteners. HFCS is oftentimes used as a food preservative because of its long shelf life.

Recently, the Corn Refiners Association launched a marketing campaign to show the sweeter side of their product. Their TV ads use the catch-phrase, "You know what they say about it...", but they don't really tell you what is being said. Instead, they send you to their website at www.SweetSuprise.com.

SweetSuprise.com is packed full of information. Comparison charts for high fructose corn syrup, honey and table sugar are posted. The FAQ section addresses the topics of sweeteners and health, benefits of sweeteners, and reduced- and low-calorie sweeteners. Overall, SweetSurpise.com is successful in delivering its marketing message that high fructose corn syrup isn't really bad for you all at - as long as you consume it in moderation.

The problem is corn syrup is added to many of the foods we consume on a daily basis. For an eye-opener on just how many foods contain HFCS visit FoodFacts.info (fast foods) and Kate Hopkins blog, AccidentalHedonist.com (manufactured foods).

The controversy over high fructose corn syrup stems not only from its use as a sweetener, but because of its powerful addiction. To give you an idea of how powerful the addiction can be, all cigarettes made in the U.S. since World War I have contained sugars, usually from corn.[ii] Do you think cigarette companies chose corn syrup for the great taste it adds to their products?

The worst culprit of high fructose corn syrup is soft drinks. Many people will agree that soft drinks are addicting. According to DentalResource.org, Americans consume more than 53 gallons of carbonated beverages per person, per year. Twenty-one percent of toddlers consume seven ounces of soft drinks per day. By age 8, fifty-six percent of American children consume soft drinks on a daily basis.

Research shows a connection between soft drink consumption and dental decay. One 12-ounce can of soda pop can contain up to 13 teaspoons of sugar, most of which is derived from HFCS. It is generally the second ingredient listed on the label. In addition to high quantities of sugar, soft drinks generally contain phosphoric acid, citric acid and carbonic acid. Experts suggest these sticky, sugary drinks lead to chemical erosion of teeth and early development of osteoporosis.

In, "Autoimmunity: It's Time for Truth; It's Time to Heal", author Heidi Whitaker provides a mountain of scientific research on the effects high fructose corn syrup has on people with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Whitaker states, "Corn produces overproduction of cytokines in the brain, causing inflammation and pain throughout the body. Fructose from corn syrup inhibits copper metabolism and decreases mineral availability, two factors in autoimmunity."[iii]

Alan R. Gaby backs up Whitaker's conclusion in his article, "Dietary Factors in Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease", published in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. Gaby states, "Fructose breaks down into a substance that weakens your body's natural anti-inflammatory molecules."

While the Corn Refiners Association is on a mission to convince Americans their product is safe, it is hard to ignore scientific evidence. Type in high fructose corn syrup at your favorite search engine and you will find over 1 million references; most of which are warning the dangers of this crystal clear liquid.

Before you buy into their marketing message, take time to conduct research on this addictive sweetener. This holds particularly true if you suffer from autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia.

[i] MSNBC - Phil Lempert "Today" editor - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12058364/

[ii]http://www.nutrition4health.org/NOHAnews/NNW90AddictionPyramid.htm

[iii]"Autoimmunity: It's Time for Truth; It's Time to Heal" - http://www.lulu.com/content/160724