The Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup

There has been controversy over the consumption of high fructose corn syrup, and rightfully so. This substance has been linked to numerous health risks such as obesity, diabetes and mercury contamination. Since the FDA may not tell you what exactly is in your food including genetically modified organisms (GMO), educate yourself here.

What exactly is High Fructose Corn Syrup?

Milling corn into cornstarch and then processing the starch into syrup makes corn syrup. Corn’s natural syrup is mildly sweet and glucose, which is a simple sugar, is used for energy.  That all changed in the 1950’s when scientists created an enzyme called glucose isomerase to create high fructose corn syrup. Natural corn syrup is combined with glucose isomerase, which changes the glucose into fructose. Fructose is the sweetest of all simple sugars.

Why is High Fructose Corn Syrup Not Healthy?

Obesity and liver damage can be caused by the improper breakdown of the syrup since it does not breakdown like other sugars do. There are no enzymes within the body to digest the manufactured syrup so the liver metabolizes it. The liver, in its overworked state, produces higher amounts of uric acid, an indicator of potential heart disease.  Mercury contamination is also a concern. The caustic soda or baking soda used to ultimately create high fructose corn syrup can contain mercury, which is then passed on in trace amounts to any foods containing the product. Typical symptoms of mercury contamination include itching, profuse sweating, faster than normal heartbeat, hypertension and kidney dysfunction.

A major health risk behind high fructose corn syrup is the fact that it is likely composed from GMO’s.

With there being no requirement to inform the public about GMO foods, many consumers are not aware that 80% of the food eaten in the US is processed with an estimated 75% of that being genetically modified. There are a host of organisms such as corn, soy, cotton and canola that are modified typically using enzyme alteration. Studies show that GMO foods caused weight gain, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, infertility and immune problems in test subjects. Not to mention that Europe and Russia have banned all GMO products.

Why Don’t Companies Just Use Natural Sugar?

From a business perspective it makes perfect sense for a company to choose high fructose corn syrup. In the late 1970’s, beet and cane sugar prices rose drastically, just as the syrup was introduced to commercial markets at 20 to 70 percent cheaper.  The sweeter taste provides better flavor, the syrup blends into drinks better than normal, granulated sugar and it is an excellent preservative to increase the shelf life of processed foods. However, these big gains for companies come at the risk of your health.

How Do I Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup and GMO’s?

Pay attention to soy and corn products. With the majority of U.S. soy and corn being GMO’s, it is important to figure out your true dietary needs and if the corn and soy you do decide to buy is GMO free.

Look at the packaging. There are a lot of companies targeting health conscious shoppers so on the packaging look for symbols indicating No GMO’s and ingredients do not include artificial flavoring, ascorbic acid, lactic acid and sodium citrate.

Support Stores that provide organic foods. Specialty grocery stores such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s stock many of the brands that do not support GMO practices while larger grocery chains stock big name brands that are synonymous with GMO usage.

Grow your own. While it could take a while, consider growing your own garden with fresh herbs, vegetables and fruit. It is easy to grow certain foods even in city conditions and more advanced gardening techniques like hydroponics can support fish and plant life without chemicals.