13 Dec High Fructose Corn Syrup, It Doesn’t Get More Artificial Than This!
*This post was originally created in 2012 but was updated in May 2017
HFCS It Doesn’t Get More Artificial Than This!
What if you could manufacture a product that doesn’t exist in nature anywhere; that’s cheaper than sugar, sweeter than sugar, and causes an addictive reaction in whatever food it’s used in so that you want to keep eating it?
It’s a mass food manufacturers dream, right?
Don’t they know it and you’ve been eating it for years! It’s used in the U.S. as an additive in most processed foods and beverages including; breads, cereals, breakfast bars, lunch meats, yogurts, soups and condiments.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is the Polar Opposite of “Organic”
The manufacturing process begins with corn, but the corn kernels are broken down and combined with three enzymes (alpha-amylase, glucoamylase, xylose isomerase) and spun at high speeds until a thick syrup forms.
This enzymatic processing converts some of its glucose to fructose, making it a sweeter concoction of about 24% water, and 76% sugars.
The syrup is super-sweet and the manufacturing process is super-cheap, so mass food manufacturers (junk food manufacturers really) love to use it in their products!
According to the Corn Refiners Association web site, “U.S. food manufacturers recognize the ability of HFCS to preserve and increase product quality while adding taste, texture and freshness.
”The web site goes on to tell visitors how HFCS improves texture, browning, stability, consistency, and baking properties (sweetness) in foods.
If I didn’t know anything about nutrition, I’d be fooled too!
Think about your favorite foods or baked goods, they are SUPPOSED to have a limited life in the cabinet or refrigerator. They are SUPPOSED to freeze when in the freezer, burn when in the oven too long, and possibly turn out a little different each time you make them.
They are SUPPOSED to take effort and time to make, and if you’re investing in natural, organic ingredients, they are SUPPOSED to cost more than the processed options.
HFCS is used by manufacturers to create food that is cheap and easy to produce, easy to transport, and lasts for an unrealistic amount of time on grocery store shelves.
Now Let’s Talk About What HFCS Does to You Once Consumed
This is what makes my skin crawl. HFCS directly interferes with the metabolic process of leptin secretion in the body. Leptin is a critical hormone directly involved in the signals your body sends to indicate fullness. HFCS slows leptin secretion significantly, which leads to over-eating and is a real challenge for anyone trying to moderate caloric intake.
It’s a downward spiral of course. Cheap food that tastes good leads to over-consumption, which leads to increased chances for weight gain, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, high triglyceride levels and heart disease. It’s just NOT worth it!
Our natural and organic options these days are extremely plentiful… why make it harder on yourself to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and body?!?!
So do what I do and stay away from HFCS. Always keep your sugar intake as low as possible when attempting to lose weight, and reasonably low moving forward.
If you’re going to have it, stick to natural, unprocessed forms (i.e., fruit) that also deliver vitamins, minerals, and even fiber along with it. Read those food labels and ask questions – be a smarter, and healthier consumer!
“Be Happy…Be Healthy…Be Fit!”
Natalie Jill
