High Fructose Corn Syrup and Obesity

High Fructose Corn Syrup and Obesity

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) has been blamed for the latest high figures in obesity in the United States of America. This, of course is hotly denied by experts in the Food and Drug industry.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener made from corn, and can be found in numerous foods and beverages on grocery store shelves in the United States. High fructose corn syrup is composed of either 42 percent or 55 percent fructose, with the remaining sugars being primarily glucose and higher sugars.

Until the 1970s most of the sugar we ate came from sucrose derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. Then sugar from corn--corn syrup, fructose, dextrose, dextrine began to gain popularity as a sweetener because it was much less expensive to produce.

This manufactured sweetener has become a popular ingredient in many sodas, fruit-flavoured drinks and other processed foods, because it extends the shelf life of processed foods and is cheaper than sugar.

So Why is this being blames by so many Dieticians, for the population being over weight? They say their studies have shown an association in the increased consumption of processed foods and sweetened beverage, many of which contained high-fructose corn syrup, is the root cause of the general public weight gaint

However, research has produced some conflicting results about the effects HFCS being the cause of obesity. For example, the initial studies were based on the general increased consumption of food that contained this manufactured sweetener that often plays a key role in the integrity of food and beverage products that has little to do with sweetening.

In baked goods, for example, it gives a pleasing brown crust to breads and cakes, contributes fermentable sugars to yeast-raised products, reduces sugar crystallization during baking for soft-moist textures, and enhances flavors of fruit fillings.In yogurt, also fermentable sugars, enhances fruit and spice flavors, controls moisture to prevent separation, and regulates tartness.

But recent research - some of which is supported by the beverage industry - suggests that high-fructose corn syrup isn't intrinsically less healthy than other sweeteners, nor is it the root cause of weight gain.

In a recent statement on CBS News, Audrau Erickson. President, Corn Refiners Association stated "Consumers are being misled into thinking there is something uniquely different between a natural sweetener made from corn, high fructose corn syrup, and its close substitute, table sugar. There is no nutritional difference between the two. A sugar is a sugar whether it comes from cane, corn, or beets."

Obesity remains an important public health matter. As a result, many scientists, health professionals and regulators are actively searching for causes and solutions.

Journalists are also covering the subject, with varying levels of expertise. Unfortunately, some press reports oversimplify the issues by attempting to single out specific ingredients, including high fructose corn syrup, as the sole cause for the complex conditions of overweight and obesity.

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Posted in: HEATHLY EATING, WEIGHT LOSS ADVICES