Mythbusters - High Fructose Corn Syrup is Natural
People sometimes confuse fructose and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), thinking they are both natural sweeteners. Corn refiners would like you to believe high fructose corn syrup is indeed a natural sweetener.
Well, it all depends on what you call natural.
Fructose vs. High Fructose Corn Syrup
Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruit. It occurs naturally; it’s an intrinsic part of fruit. There’s no debate there, fructose is natural.
High fructose corn syrup, on the other hand, is never found in nature. It may be found in everything from sodas and fruit drinks to condiments, salad dressings, baked goods, and even baby food, but it is not found in any unprocessed food.
Instead, high fructose corn syrup is a man-made product. It’s a highly processed ingredient made by using enzymes to treat starch extracted from corn. The Center for Science in the Public Interest and other groups categorically maintain that HFCS cannot be considered natural because its chemical bonds are broken and rearranged in the manufacturing process.
The FDA has not defined the term natural, so the debate rages on with the corn refiners on one side wanting to call high fructose corn syrup natural because it’s made from corn, and groups on the other side saying there’s no way to call it natural.
The Plot Thickens While HFCS Sickens
Furthermore, diets high in high fructose corn syrup may harm the liver, raise triglyceride levels and promote insulin resistance. In one study done in 2007, sodas sweetened with HFCS were found to be high in reactive compounds thought to trigger tissue damage that promotes diabetes. Fructose found in fruits doesn’t cause any such problems.
It seems to me it’s pretty simple. If a product exists in nature, it’s natural. If it doesn’t, and has to be produced by a manufacturing process, it’s no longer natural.
By any realistic definition, high fructose corn syrup is NOT a natural product.
September 16th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I just now unsubscribed from a blog that promotes genetic engineering as natural and healthy. A blog she linked to called organic growers every name in the book short of using swear words, spewed a lot of crap as fact, and closed comments. I can’t link to research and facts to dispute his bull. And I can’t read her blog anymore. It’s not good for my blood pressure. I appreciate your honest information and strong backbone very much!
September 17th, 2008 at 9:38 am
You might debate genetic engineering as healthy I suppose, but I don’t see how in the world you can define it as natural!!! Thanks for the kind words. I’m trying to be “call them as I see them” and let the facts speak for themselves as much as possible. If someone finds differing research, I’m open to hearing it!
September 19th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Have you seen the new commercials about HFCS?
“It’s natural like sugar, and fine, if used in moderation” Hooey! Why the corn people feel the need to spend money on TV commercials to convince people that HFCS is okay to use is beyond me. I’d bet 8 out of 10 people don’t even know what the stuff is, and what products it’s used in (everything!!).
Great article! BTW, I check in here and read every day. I just don’t always comment. I figured you’d get tired of “amen” every day.
September 20th, 2008 at 11:10 am
No, I haven’t seen any commercials for HFCS. I’m not sure why they need commercials either, since the stuff is in so many food products and nobody seems to notice anyway. Maybe they’re afraid of the sugar industry, since they’re wanting the FDA to define HFCS as NOT natural. Like they have to worry about competition either!
It’s reminds me of a while back when the plastics industry had commercials on tv, telling us how good plastic is and how many ways it’s used. There again, it’s everywhere, so why did they feel the need to advertise?
and glad you liked the article, and hey, you made my day! Glad you stop in and visit often!!! I’m never averse to a hearty amen!