The Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup

High Fructose Corn SyrupBefore we get to highnot stimulate insulin production and also fails to
fructose corn syrup (HFCS), we will take a look atincrease "leptin" production, a hormone produced by
two other frequently used sweeteners, dextrose andthe body's fat cells. Both of these act to turn off the
maltodextrin.DextroseDextrose is more or less anappetite and control body weight. Also, fructose
industry term for glucose. Glucose isthe mostdoes not suppress ghrelin, a hormone that works to
prevalent sugar in the human and the only moleculeincrease hunger. This interesting work is being done
that the brain can metabolize. Dextrose is refinedby Peter Havel at UC Davis.Some of the problems
from corn starch. It has a very high glycemic indexassociated with high fructose corn syrup:Increased
(no surprise since it is glucose) and while it containsLDL's (the bad lipoprotein) leading to increasedrisk of
no fructose, it is still a simple sugar that is veryheart disease.Altered Magnesium balance leading to
readily absorbed. It is not as dangerous as sucroseincreased osteoporosis.Increased risk of Adult Onset
but it still is a highly processed product that should beDiabetes Mellitus.Fructose has no enzymes or vitamins
avoided.MaltodextrinMaltodextrin is also a refinedthus robbing the body ofprecious
product usually made from either corn or potatoes. Itmicro-nutrients.Fructose interacts with birth control
is multiple glucose units somewhat loosely hookedpills and can elevateinsulin levels in women on the
together (a polymer). Because the bonds betweenpill.Accelerated aging.Fructose inhibits copper
the glucose units are very weak, it is also verymetabolism leading to a deficiencyof copper, which
readily absorbed and has a very high glycemic index.can cause increased bone fragility, anemia, ischemic
Like dextrose it should be avoided as much asheart disease and defective connective tissue
possible. It has been called a "sugar substitute"butformation among others.The list below is from The
that is based on a rather strict definition of sugar asSan Francisco Chronicle February 18, 2004"How much
"sucrose." It is a very common additive and I haveis too much?The list below shows how much sugar,
found it in many packaged foods, including potatomostly in the form of high fructose corn syrup, is in
chips.High Fructose Corn SyrupHigh fructose corneach of these single servings.Sunkist soda: 10 1/2
syrup is made by treating corn (which is usuallyteaspoons of sugarBerkeley Farms low-fat yogurt
genetically modified corn) with a variety of enzymes,with fruit: 10 teaspoons of sugarMott's applesauce: 5
some of which are also genetically modified, to firstteaspoons of sugarSlim-Fast chocolate cookie dough
extract the sugar glucose and then convert some ofmeal bar: 5 teaspoons of sugar1 tablespoon ketchup:
it into fructose, since fructose tastes sweeter than1 teaspoon of sugarHansen's Super Vita
glucose. The end result is a mixture of 55% fructoseorange-carrot Smoothie: 10 teaspoons of
and 45% glucose, that is called "high fructose cornsugar"Today's health tip:Cut down or stop any food
syrup." Improvements in production occurred in theor drink with high fructose corn syrup.High fructose
1980's making it cheaper than most othercorn syrup is made from genetically modified corn
sweeteners. I remember in the 1980's when the pricetreated with genetically modified enzymes.Stop or
of Pepsi dropped from about $3 for a sixpack tolimit all foods with either dextrose or
about $1.50. In 1966 refined sugar such as sucrosemaltodextrin.Once again, read all your food labels
was the was the leading sweetener / additive. Incarefully.Consumption of the limited amounts of
2001 corn sweeteners accounted for 55% of thefructose that occur in fresh whole organic fruit is not
sweetener market. Consumption of high fructosea problem.Reference:Stryer Biochemistry Fourth
corn syrup went from zero in 1966 to 62.6 poundsEdition"Sugar coated
per person in 2001. A 12 ounce soda can contain asWe're drowning in high fructose corn syrup.
much as 13 teaspoons of sugar in the form of highDo the risks go beyond our waistline?"
fructose corn syrup.Once again, the dangerousKim Severson, San Francisco Chronicle Staff
combination: fructose and glucose.When high fructoseWriter
corn syrup breaks down in the intestine, we onceWednesday, February 18, 2004Kick the "sugar habit"
again find near equal amounts of glucose andwith the only diet that is 100% Sugar-Free, the
fructose entering the bloodstream. As covered inMericleDiet.
recent newsletters, the fructose short-circuits theMake the transition away from dangerous sugar
glycolytic pathway for glucose. This leads to all theadditives to healty "organic" complex
problems associated with sucrose. In addition, HFCScarbhydrates easy. To visit the MericleDiet follow
seems to be generating a few of its own problems,the link below: for your attention.
epidemic obesity being one of them. Fructose does