The Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup

Go to the nearest grocery store and you’ll find dozens of products containing high fructose corn syrup. Surprisingly, most of them are located in the health food department or marketed as diet-friendly. Believe it or not, this ingredient is anything but healthy.

Over the past decades, high fructose corn syrup has emerged as a better alternative to sugar. It’s found in thousands of foods, from cereals and fruit juices to low-carb chocolate and protein bars. Chances are all of us have consumed it more than once.

Despite the marketing hype, this sweetener has been linked to diabetes, insulin resistance, heart disease, and weight gain. In fact, it may be even worse than sugar.

What’s High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)?

This common ingredient is about 42 to 55 percent fructose plus glucose. Some brands contain a whopping 90 percent fructose. Upon ingestion, fructose goes straight to your liver, so it cannot be used for energy. Your body will store it as fat.

Compared to table sugar, HFCS boasts larger amounts of fructose. Additionally, it’s highly processed and takes more energy to be digested. When consumed regularly, it depletes your body’s ATP levels and damages the integrity of your intestinal lining. ATP is your primary source of energy, so it’s no wonder why you’re feeling drained after eating high-fructose foods.

The Side Effects of HFCS

Hundreds of studies confirm the dangers of high fructose corn syrup. This ingredient has been shown to promote cancer, weight gain, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease, and hypercholesterolemia. In the long run, it may put you at risk for heart disease and type II diabetes.

Most customers are not aware that HFCS contains dangerous substances like mercury. Some brands boast toxic levels of this heavy metal. Additionally, high fructose corn syrup is typically found in heavily processed, low-quality food products that aren’t good for your health anyway.

This toxic sweetener can be easily converted to fat and add inches to your waistline. It also affects your liver, heart, and digestive tract. Furthermore, it triggers inflammation, which in turn, contributes to chronic diseases.

The best thing you can do is to avoid this harmful ingredient in the first place. Read food labels to make an informed decision. Swap sugar for natural sweeteners, such as stevia and small amounts of raw honey. Whole, unprocessed foods are unlikely to contain HFCS, so give your diet a makeover!