If we become more aware of what we're putting into our bodies, we equip ourselves to do better. One of the things I've practically eliminated from my diet is High Fructose Corn Syrup. I had heard of this, but didn't really understand what it was and just how much of it I consumed each day.
High Fructose Corn Syrup is a processed food compound comprising two simple sugars: fructose and glucose. Invented in the early 1970s as an inexpensive way to sweeten processed foods and beverages, high fructose corn syrup overtook America’s food supply beginning in the early 80's. Basically, it's a sweetener that is made from corn (grows very well in the US) unlike sugar which had to be imported. We've got lots of corn right here in the US and that makes HFCS very cheap in comparison to sugar. Business and consumers like inexpensive options.
Here's some statistics that will help to put it into perspective:
- The average American now consumes more than 60 pounds of high fructose corn syrup each year.
- Between 1970 and 2000, HFCS consumption rose by greater than 1000%
- Many experts believe that HFCS is processed by the body differently than table sugar. Fructose doesn't trigger hormone responses that regulate appetite and make you feel satisfied, which could cause you to overeat.
- 3 million bottles of coke are sold every 4 minutes. Re-read this statistic a few times to really get it.
The CDC reports that in the 40 years since the introduction of high-fructose corn syrup as a cost-effective sweetener in the American diet, rates of obesity in the U.S. have skyrocketed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1970, around 15 percent of the U.S. population met the definition for obesity; today, roughly one-third of the American adults are considered obese.
I've read so many articles specifically relating to whether or not HFCS is the leading cause of all this weight gain. Some say it's no worse than sugar, other studies show different. The bottom line is this: WE EAT WAY TOO MUCH OF THIS and it goes right to our waist line.
If we can just start HERE to get our weight under control, it's a start. Read those labels before you buy and if more of us choose the products that do not have this stinky little devil in it, maybe the food producers will pay attention.
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3 comments:
Hey Christy..Thanks for this blog..I look forward to reading it..esp since I have put on 30 pounds in 2 years since I have quit smoking:(
You're an inspiration girlie..love ya..xoxo
heyyy I like what youre saying, just think it'd be nice to see your sources next to the facts.
Remind me when I come back from Cali to bring you a Mexican made Coca-Cola. They still use REAL sugar there and it truly tastes completely different!
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