What is high- fructose corn syrup (HFCS)? High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener used in consumer goods and products. Industries find it to be cheaper than sucrose (sugar) therefore; it is favored over regular sugar. The production of the sweetener is a bit complex; here is a shortened summary just to give you an idea:
- Corn is milled into cornstarch - which is converted into glucose.
- Glucose is converted to fructose and glucose.
- Fructose is then enriched by glucose.
- The new fructose mixture is then poured back into the original mixture to create 55% fructose and 45% glucose, creating HFCS
As I mentioned before, this is a brief condensed version of how the product is produced. For farther detail, this website has an animated explanation I found helpful.
Being that HFCS is highly processed it has picked up a bad reputation amongst consumers. Studies linking the sweetener to obesity and other health issues have lead to a decrease in consumption. For this reason, HFCS is undergoing a name change, and the sweetener will soon go by the name of “corn sugar”.
In regards to the name change, The Corn Refiners Association made this statement, "Consumers need to know what is in their foods and where their foods come from and we want to be clear with them".
At the moment, the name is not official since the FDA has not yet approved the switch; it may take up to two years to gain approval.
In regards to the name change, The Corn Refiners Association made this statement, "Consumers need to know what is in their foods and where their foods come from and we want to be clear with them".
At the moment, the name is not official since the FDA has not yet approved the switch; it may take up to two years to gain approval.
In my opinion, the new name is a bit misleading since HFCS undergoes a rather painstaking process and is not derived directly from corn. The Center for Science in the Public Interest suggests they use the names "chemically converted corn syrup" or "glucose-fructose corn syrup". In the end, the big question that cross my mind is - What are the real intentions behind this name change? Is The Corn Refiners Association concerned with consumers and their health? Or are they more concerned with their sales decline? Whatever the intention, an name change does not clear the health risks associated with consuming high amounts of HFCS and regular sugars.
The Mayo Clinic has developed some simple tips to consider to lower sugar and HFCS intake:
- Limit processed foods
- Avoid foods that contain added sugar
- Choose fresh fruit rather than fruit juice or fruit-flavored drinks. Even 100 percent fruit juice has a high concentration of sugar.
- Choose fruit canned in its own juices instead of heavy syrup
- Drink less soda
- Don't allow sweetened beverages to replace milk, especially for children.
Here are some additional takes on the name change by popular Health Bloggers:
- Marion Nestle - Food Politics: Corn Refiners ask FDA to replace "HFCS" with "Corn Sugar"
- Nicole's Nutrition: Corn Sugar... Oh Really?
- and just for fun, Inspired RD: Etsy Favorites - Corn Sugar Edition
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