HOW HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP IS MADE
High Fructose Corn Syrup is primarily made from corn starch which is comprised of simple sugar molecules. When these molecules are broken down individually, it becomes corn syrup which is basically 100% glucose. Enzymes are then added to the corn syrup to convert some of the glucose into fructose which is another simple sugar found naturally in fruits.
THE CONTROVERSY
There has been a lot of controversy over HFCS. Research is showing this sweetener designed to be mass produced for low cost has been linked to an incline in obesity in children as well as in adults. Researches also have claimed it's linked to Adult Onset Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Glucose found in other natural sugars can be converted by your body into blood glucose and utilized more efficiently. The fructose that has been manufactured in HFCS is relatively unregulated as fuel source by the body causing the liver to convert it to cholesterol and fat. When consumed in high amounts, this can lead to hardening and scaring of the liver which in extreme cases can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure and cancer. Because HFCS breaks down into various waste products they can cause damage from production of uric acid. This causes elevated blood pressure and risk for cardiovascular disease!
High Fructose Corn Syrup may increase appetite due to it's ability to suppress appetite controlling hormones. It, like sugar, is addicting which can also contribute to overeating and obesity. Because it increases insulin it may lead to insulin resistance and possibly Type 2 Adult Onset Diabetes.
Because the idea behind High Fructose Corn Syrup is to produce a sweetener which is plentiful and inexpensive, it is almost a guarantee it is made from GMO enzymes (Genetically Modified Organisms)! These seeds have been linked to a whole list of issues from food allergies to various cancers! (See my blog from 3-2-15 Genetically Modified Organisms)
THE SWEETENER GAME
I personally have a sweet tooth... OMG do I have one! I have recently been more aware of the sugar consumption in my diet and taken steps to minimize it. In a perfect world, we wouldn't add sweetener to our diet. I was shocked to find that sugar plays just as big of a role, if not more than sodium in causing high blood pressure and other health conditions!. There really is no such thing as "healthy" sugar. Whether sugar is organic, unrefined, all natural, raw, or even agave syrup, it all comes with a price to our health and well being when consumed in excess. There are some sweeteners such as HFCS which are worse for your body than others. Some sweeteners won't produce as high of blood sugar levels and have more nutritional value than others. Below is a list of some sugars which you should consume in moderation and some you should avoid altogether.
BEST OPTIONS:
Local Honey
Stevia
Xylitol
IN MODERATION:
Brown Rice Syrup
Coconut Palm Sugar
Dates
Fruit
Maple Syrup
Molasses
Palm Sugar
AVOID
Artificial Sweeteners: Aspartame and Sucralose
High Fructose Sweeteners: Agave Nectar
Sources
*http://goop.com/the-safest-alternative-sweeteners
*http://heritageihc.com/blog/truth-about-hfcs