4 Reasons to Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup

By Sara Novak, Planet Green

By now, you’ve more than likely seen one of the ads put out by the Corn Refiners Association. The ads tell the story of a “natural” sweetener made from corn. They go on to insinuate that high fructose corn syrup has been unfairly portrayed and that this truly American ingredient is fine in moderation. Lloyd wrote about this massive $30 million ad campaign last year. The campaign claims that high fructose corn syrup has the “same natural sweeteners as table sugar and honey.” Since then, the association has released a number of ads with the same message.

But when push comes to shove, what are the facts about high fructose corn syrup? How is it made? Is it healthy in moderation to the body and the planet? Here are the facts, so that the next time you’re asked, you can confidently dispel any high fructose corn syrup rumors.

1. The Process of Making High Fructose Corn Syrup is Pretty Weird

First of all, there’s nothing natural about high fructose corn syrup and it most certainly does not exist in nature. The process starts off with corn kernels, yes, but then that corn is spun at a high velocity and combined with three other enzymes: alpha-amylase, glucoamylase, and xylose isomerase, so that it forms a thick syrup that’s way sweeter than sugar and super cheap to produce. That’s why it’s poured into a huge majority of mass produced processed foods.

2. High Fructose Corn Syrup Does Weird Stuff to Your Body

While the commercials claim that it’s fine in moderation, the truth is that the whole problem with high fructose corn syrup in the first place, is that moderation is seemingly impossible. The syrup interferes with the body’s metabolism so that a person can’t stop eating. It’s truly hard to control cravings because high fructose corn syrup slows down the secretion of leptin in the body. Leptin is a crucial hormone in the body that tells you that you’re full and to stop eating. That’s why it’s so closely associated with obesity in this country. It’s like an addictive drug.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Reggie T.

6:26PM PDT on Apr 22, 2012

YOU DON'T THINK ANY OF THESE 3 AGENCIES KNOW OF THIS,FDA ,EPA ,USDA? JUST SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT (o_O)

send a green star

Ellie D.

4:24PM PST on Nov 18, 2011

ban hfcs

Susan A.

12:55AM PDT on Jun 7, 2011

I can tell a positive difference in my body and energy levels since I started reading labels carefully of all foods I buy, and avoiding high fructose corn syrup. The "scientific" rebuttal that HFCS is no more harmful than other sugars is based on a belief system that science can prove what is or isn't healthy. If it's not based on nature, then it's less likely to be healthy for us. Honey, for example is a natural sweetener...

KrassiAWAY B.

6:26AM PDT on Jun 6, 2011

Not a fan. Noted with thanks.

Nellie K A.

2:40PM PST on Dec 27, 2010

3 years that i know about it. If I could altogether not it any food containing corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup, I would. I would have to eat only organic or natural food. I eat both natural and junk, or processed, prepackaged food...

Eternal G.

5:40PM PST on Dec 18, 2010

Wow, so why is it even allowed for consumption, especially in countries with high obesity rates??

St C.

4:38PM PST on Dec 16, 2010

My body does not like corn syrup. I can drink a soda with sugar just fine, but one with corn syrup makes me incredibly thirsty and I end up chugging water until I'm ill. And then I'm still thirsty. That can't be right.

Eryn U.

2:28PM PST on Dec 16, 2010

Yuck! I definitely try to stay away; now I will even more so after reading this!

Pat B.

6:59AM PST on Dec 16, 2010

As a registered dietitian, I'm compelled to comment on this article. Unfortunately it's riddled with misinformation. For instance, some of the studies cited are not representative of how humans might react with realistic intakes of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS and sucrose (table sugar) behave identically. This is not surprising given that both have virtually the same composition (roughly 50% fructose and 50% glucose).

Paragraph #2 is especially alarming. The study highlighted (in the hyperlink) was done on rats. It is insufficient to make broad-based claims about the potential effects on humans. In 2008, the Amer Journal of Clinical Nutrition reviewed studies on HFCS, including some on leptin and appetite regulation. They concluded that “The potential hormonal and physiologic responses to HFCS have not yet been connected to longer-term appetite or metabolism, and, thus, to body weight regulation.”

According to the American Dietetic Association, “high fructose corn syrup…is nutritionally equivalent to sucrose. Once absorbed into the blood stream, the two sweeteners are indistinguishable.”

The bottom line is that sugar is sugar, whether it’s honey, high fructose corn syrup, table sugar, or fruit juices. People shouldn’t eat too much of any sugar. As a consultant to the food industry (like the Corn Refiners Assn), and a college professor I use science to carry messages. The science included in this article was, in my

Diane L.

8:37PM PST on Dec 15, 2010

Consumer F's "info" is absolutely false. Most of the sugar we buy as "refined" sugar comes from sugar CANE, and corn is a STARCH, not even a vegetable. The body can and DOES react differently, although sugar is not good in any form, and isn't necessary. It's done to sweeten and/or "alter" the taste of many foods which naturally may be too sour or "tart" for most tastes. We can learn to adapt to a more "sour" taste, however. I used to be like Travolta's character, "Michael", and now eat my Cheerios (the only cereal I WILL eat) with no sugar at all. IF I have to have something, it's "Splenda", and then it's a very miniscule amount. I have a close friend who is Type I (insulin dependent) diabetic, and he's done his homework on what is or isn't healthy for everyone, but especially for someone like himself who can't tolerate sugar at all.