Truth About high Fructose Corn Syrup

By Kassidy Emmerson, published Oct 27, 2008

The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) would like you to believe that eating food and consuming drinks made with high fructose corn syrup is comparable to sugar. Have you seen the group's television ads where they promote high fructose corn syrup? According to them, it's made from corn, contains no artificial ingredients, contains the same calories as sugar, and is healthy to eat in moderation. Read this informative article and find out the answer to the question, "What's the Truth About High Fructose Corn Syrup?"

What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?

High fructose corn syrup is used as a sweetener and a preservative in many processed food and drink products. Its made from converting the sugar in cornstarch into fructose by using enzymes.

What Products Commonly Contain High Fructose Corn Syrup?

High fructose corn syrup can be found in products such as cereals, cereal bars, salad dressings, condiments, syrup, jellies, ice cream, crackers, candy, yogurts, soda pop, pastries, breads, juice drinks, and more. This common food additive is popular among manufacturers because it's less expensive than sugar.

Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Good for You?

High fructose corn syrup has had a bad image for a long time. It's been linked to obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol. The aim of The Corn Refiners Association is to change the way the public looks at this sweetener. But, are they trying to deceive consumers?

The Truth About High Fructose Corn Syrup

Is It a Natural Sweetener?

-According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), high fructose corn syrup is considered to be a natural product. Because, it's made from cornstarch that's processed with three natural enzymes.

Does It Cause Obesity?

-The American Medical Association has concluded that eating foods and drinking beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup does not contribute to obesity any more than sugar or other similar sweeteners.

-High fructose corn syrup is pretty comparable to sugar when it comes to nutrition value.

Is It Okay to Eat in Moderation?

Here's the rub: it's been determined that high fructose corn syrup is probably okay to eat in moderation. However, unless you're a watch dog when it comes to reading the labels on processed foods and drinks, you and your family are probably ingesting more high fructose corn syrup than you realize. According to Marion Nestle, Paulette Goddard professor in the department of nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University, there is almost as much high fructose corn syrup in the food supply as sugar.

The Bottom Line

Just like sugar, which contains calories but has no nutrients, high fructose corn syrup should be limited in your diet. To do this, remember that you'll need to check the labels on processed food and beverages carefully. You may be surprised where you find this sweetener.

By Kassidy Emmerson, published Oct 27, 2008