Awhile ago I wrote about the study linking high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to obesity. The information in the study–apparently regarded enough to be publicized on the public airwaves–has now been toned down because it may have been slightly overblown, according to the latest news sources, particulary evening newscasts.
In 1980, the United States started using HFCS instead of sugar because it comes from corn, a highly subsidized farm food in this country. That makes it cheaper because sugar, on the other hand, is imported under tight restrictions, making it cost more.
The graphic presented on the newscast indicated that HFCS contains a slightly higher percentage of fructose than sugar, thus the “high” designation. HFCS is used in various foods to make them taste better, including ketchup and salad dressings.
No matter what type of sugar you eat in your foods, however, it all ends up being processed in the liver. Too much sugar of any type is not good for anybody’s health, and as Americans we consume more than anybody else.
Some sign-toters (mostly mothers) have managed to ban sugary sodas from public schools, and in some cities like Philadelphia, there has been talk of a per-ounce tax on such drinks to discourage their over-consumption.
Will I avoid products with HFCS? Yes, but now in the same way in which I avoid sugar altogether. Anything in moderation is fine, but by cutting some of the unneeded sugar from the diet, I hope to avoid health problems in the future.
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