High fructose corn syrup is enemy No. 1. This is a bold statement to make, but I say it with conviction. High calorie content and low nutritional value means that I avoid it like the plague. Avoidance in this case is no easy task because consumers can find this noxious ingredient in everything from soda, juice, cookies, and crackers, to ketchup, salad dressing, and even yogurt. I challenge you to take a stroll over to your pantry and do a little research of your own. I bet that you will find a whole lot of of goodies with high fructose corn syrup as the main ingredient.
HFCS is a highly processed preservative that is created when glucose is converted into fructose. This sweetener extends the life of processed foods and is popular with major food corporations because it is cheaper than sugar. To take the science lesson out of the explanation, it is an element that enables packaged food to have a longer shelf life. The negative effects of this arguably toxic substance is creating such a controversy lately that the food and beverage producers are actually working on switching to natural sugar in their products, especially considering the debate over whether this ingredient is a key factor in the obesity epidemic. The controversy has caused such a stir that Kraft Foods is stepping up to the plate and in recent months has removed the ingredient from their 100-calorie products, as well as Wheat Thins and salad dressings. Even though switching to sugar is more expensive, PepsiCo is actively removing HFCS from Gatorade because of the concern athletes have voiced about drinking their product.
It is hard to really point fingers and blame the health problems of society on just one factor. High fructose corn syrup has been in existence for almost 40 years and I do not think that it is purely coincidence that obesity has become an epidemic during this time. Making healthy choices are always the way to go. Although life has become more demanding and we are being pulled in every which way, we must pledge to not reach for convenience. Convenience equals chemicals. Processed foods are punishment to the human body. Your mind, body, and skin will eventually suffer. When choosing foods, fresh is always best. Until next time my friends, visit www.raylenebartolacci.com. To health and wellness, Salute.
