High Fructose Corn Syrup Has Been Renamed And Is Now Being Marketed As A Natural Sweetener

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The use of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in commercial products has been long been debated, with the results of numerous studies showing how unsafe it is for human consumption. (We’ve listed some of these studies below). HFCS, also known as glucose-fructose, isoglucose, and glucose-fructose syrup, is used worldwide as a sweetener as it is easier to handle than granulated sugar, and since the price of the raw material, corn, is more stable. ^[1]

Let’s get one thing straight right from the start: HFCS is not naturally occurring. Although derived from corn, it is a manufactured, processed product! However, on account of the numerous studies that have been suggesting how high fructose corn syrup contributes to a myriad of illnesses, the marketing teams of HFCS products have been looking for ways to make their products more appealing to the public. The Corn Refiners Association has attempted to counter negative public opinions using marketing campaigns describing HFCS as “natural”. They attempted to change the name of the product to “corn sugar,” which the FDA rejected. ^[1] The latest move in the food industry is to change the name of HFCS to “fructose”. Some ingredient lists won’t tell you that something has high fructose corn syrup, instead simply declare that the product has “fructose” content – without specifying exactly what kind of fructose.

How this marketing is deceiving you: This name-change is an attempt to trick the public into thinking they are buying and consuming a product made with all-natural, safe ingredients – when it’s the exact opposite. The Corn Refiners Association reports that HFCS-90, or a sweetener with 90 percent fructose (compared to regular HFCS, which is only 40 to 50 percent) is now being listed simply as “fructose” on ingredient lists and product labels. This industrially-manufactured sweetener has zero nutrients and provides no health benefits at all to the body aside from changing the way the product tastes.

4 Top Health Dangers Of High Fructose Corn Syrup – according to scientific research

#1: Increased Risk Of Heart Problems In Young Adults

In a 2015 study by Stanhope, et. al., the results revealed a positive association between the intake of beverages sweetened by HFCS and the risk for cardiovascular illness in young adults. The higher the percentage of HFCS in a drink, the bigger the increase in the following heart disease risk factors – (1) low density lipoprotein (or bad cholesterol), (2) total cholesterol, and (3) uric acid. In the same study, HFCS disturbed the ability to the body to lower blood glucose levels after eating, causing prolonged elevated levels in the bloodstream which causes damage to the body’s organs and tissues. ^[2]

#2: Damages Normal Brain Function

The effects of HFCS on metabolic and immune functions of the body have been extensively studied but studies on HFCS’ effects on the brain are far and few in between. However, the results of a recent study published in 2015 revealed that HFCS intake damaged a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is responsible for long-term memory and mood regulation, and caused inflammation in the body’s nerves, particularly in the brain. ^[3]

#3: Increases The Risk For Chronic Lung Problems Due To Fructose Malabsorption

According to DeChristopher, Uribarri, and Tucker (2015), intake of soft drinks with HFCS has a significant correlation with incidences of chronic bronchitis in adults aged 20 to 55. Drinking non-diet sodas could potentially lead to fructose malabsorption, which has been linked to lung problems, specifically asthma. ^[4] In a perinatal study on pregnant mothers who had increased fructose intake, the results revealed that the higher the intake of fructose, the more likely their children would be diagnosed with asthma. ^[5]

#4: Causes Obesity

A review of published literature on HFCS and weight gain discovered a link between intake of HFCS beverages and obesity among children. The analysis revealed that HFCS intake contributes to childhood obesity and limiting its intake can help decrease the incidence of obesity in the same population. ^[6]