High Fructose Corn Syrup. By Kevin Richardson, NYC Personal Trainer

High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener and preservative made by changing the sugar in cornstarch to fructose — another form of sugar. High fructose corn syrup is appealing to food manufacturers since it not only extends the shelf life of many food foods but is also sweeter and cheaper than sugar. As a result it is now in many sodas, fruit-flavored drinks and other processed foods. You would be surprised to learn how many products contain it.

Foods That Contain High Fructose Corn Syrup

Breads
Fruit drinks & Juices
Breakfast cereals (even the so called ‘Healthy’ ones)
Condiments like ketchup, and miracle whip
Cookies
Cakes
Crackers
Candy bars
Yogurt
Ice creams
Jams & jellies
Syrups
Salad dressings
Sauces (BBQ sauce etc.)
Soups

While there is some debate over the fact that many nutritionists attribute the rise in use of high fructose corn syrup with the increased prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, there are some animal studies that do show clear links between its consumption and major health related side effects. The studies that show no health links, interestingly enough were all supported in some way by the beverage manufacturing companies, so I would be cautious in taking their findings at face value. Besides drinks and processed foods made with high fructose corn syrup are notoriously high in calories while having little or no nutritional value. Regular consumption of such drinks and food products will bring about obesity, which as we all know promotes conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. So there really isn’t any way to deny the negative effects of such processed foods.

All High Fructose Corn Syrup Food And Drinks Should Be Avoided

If you are serious about taking care of your health you need to avoid it like the plague, it is the only way to ensure that you don’t suffer any ill effects from the intake of such products, as there is no safe consumption level that we know of. I always go back to the idea that if a food doesn’t exist in nature, then it probably should not be a part of the human diet, and high fructose corn syrup is no exception. Not only can it potentially increase your incidence of disease, but it will most certainly work against weight loss program that you are currently on. All the foods containing it as well are usually the very highly processed high calorie, low nutrient foods that you should never eat anyway, but still be sure to read food labels at the supermarket, as you would be surprised sometimes at where it can show up. I was shocked to find it in things like cough syrup and children’s cold medicines. So keep your eyes on the food labels, and stay safe!

Information contained in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose illness, nor substitute for medical counsel and is intended for purposes of information and education only. Consult your physician before modifying your diet or starting any exercise program.

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High Fructose Corn Syrup. By Kevin Richardson, NYC Personal Trainer

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