Here is the process in a nutshell: The cornstarch is processed into glucose using a series of enzymes. The glucose is then converted into a high concentration of fructose using another treatment with enzymes.

Even though the process for making HFCS is complex, the end product is still much cheaper than sugar. Interesting! That lower price is the main reason why manufacturers now prefer to use high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar. It has become a very popular choice for manufacturers since its introduction in the 70’s.

There are other reasons by manufacturers prefer to use HFCS. Here are some of them:

• It’s sweeter than sugar so less is needed – another way to cut costs
• It’s much easier to mix with other ingredients, especially liquid ingredients – a savings in time and therefore expense
• It helps to extend the shelf life of processed foods – another savings for the manufacturer

All of these reasons benefit the food companies, but what about your health?

What’s So Bad About High Fructose Corn Syrup?

The enzymes used to convert corn starch into glucose and fructose may be genetically modified. Corn also happens to be one of the major crops that are genetically modified. Genetically modified foods (GM foods) could pose a problem to your health. Click here to learn more about GM foods.

HFCS is two times as sweet as sugar and has no real nutritional value. It does not have any vitamins, minerals, or enzymes. In order to digest it, your body must use its own micronutrients. This can rob your body of much needed nutrients and eventually lead to premature aging!

HFCS has been shown to elevate your cholesterol levels and scar the walls of your arteries. When the walls of your arteries get scarred, your body makes cholesterol to help heal the damage area. When too much cholesterol builds up, it will form plaques that will block up the insides of your arteries.

HFCS can dampen your immune response by slowing down the action of your white blood cells. Your white blood cells are responsible for defending your body against harmful bacteria, viruses, and other foreign pathogens.

HFCS can cause your blood levels of chromium to drop. If your chromium levels are too low, it may increase your risk of developing diabetes.

High fructose corn syrup can interfere with copper metabolism. This can disrupt the formation of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are very important in the formation and structure of your body.

Your body does not process HFCS the same way it processes sugar. When you eat regular white sugar (which is made from glucose and fructose), your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin lets your brain know when your stomach is full. It also helps your body to manage blood glucose levels.

Insulin binds to the receptor sites on your cells. It is the key that turns the lock (the insulin receptor) so that glucose can enter the cell and be used as fuel for energy. If there is any extra sugar left over, it gets sent to your liver where it is stored for later use.

All of the cells of your body are able to metabolize glucose but they cannot metabolize fructose. Your liver must metabolize it. When you eat HFCS it goes directly to your liver where it is converted to fat. If you have too much fat being stored in your liver, it can cause damage.

HFCS prevents your pancreas from releasing insulin. Without insulin, you may not recognize when you’re full. If you don’t know when you’re full, you may not stop eating until you have eaten way more calories than you actually need. Do that regularly and you will soon have an expanding waistline. That may be one reason why obesity is becoming a widespread problem in developing countries.

HFCS makes the insulin receptors on your cells less responsive to insulin. This is typically what happens in type-2 diabetes. When the receptors are less responsive to insulin, your pancreas ends up having to pump out more insulin to deal with the same amount of glucose. Too much insulin can make your body store fat. Over time, it can also damage your arteries and contribute to other health problems.

High Fructose Corn Syrup Is Everywhere!

Baked goods, Breakfast cereals, cakes, candies, cookies, “fruit” drinks, ice cream, jam, ketchup, salad dressings, soda pop, some “health” foods (e.g., protein bars), soups, and many other processed foods.

How Can You Avoid HFCS?

• Read all labels.
• Focus on a whole food, plant-based diet. If you love sweet things, learn how to make your own using natural ingredients. Click here to see some healthy recipes.
• Choose products that have been sweetened naturally with raw cane sugar or fruit juices.
• Use natural sweeteners such as stevia instead.
• Buy only 100% fruit juice instead of fruit drinks – or better yet, make your own juices.