So, I have written about high fructose corn syrup in the past, but that was before Dr. Hoebel's work on this was published. I alluded to it, but now that the results are out, we can really have an open discussion about the potential dangers of high fructose corn syrup.
In my previous blogs I discuss the findings that there is mercury in a percentage of the hfcs that inhabits so many of our foods and drinks. This is caused from the mercury grade caustic soda that is used in the processing, leaching mercury into the finished product. Here is a great read on the subject. It should concern you!
Then I touched on Dr. Hoebel's work with rats. What he found, in brief, is that rats fed hfcs get obese where as rats fed sugar do not. We don't yet know why, but we do know that this is happening and now there are tangible results in the lab to prove it. You can read the full article here.
We can also look at our country since hfcs was introduced in the 1970's. The rate of obesity since then has gone through the roof. Yes, we have become more sedentary but that alone does not make enough of a difference to account for the sharp increase in our weights.
The Corn Refiner's Association is huge. I wrote this blog in response to my meeting with their "expert" who they "suggested" I speak to before writing more about hfcs. They are trying to keep their wholesome image intact. I am trying to educate the public so we can all be healthier.
I suggest you start reading labels and avoiding anything that contains hfcs. When we did this in my house it was shocking just how many items contain it. You expect to find it in soda, but catsup? It's in bread, baked goods, juices, condiments, candies...
Be healthy!
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David Wallinga, M.D.: Challenging the Obesity System
My husband's dad is diabetic and his brother is borderline; diabetes and heart disease runs in the family. Since a soda is a real treat for my husband (at a dinner out) and corn products are simply not brought into our home AND because he exercises daily, he has no such issues.
You can live HFCS free. It isn't the easiest thing to do but it is the healthiest. And what bright and healthy smiles we have too!
I would only add one point. I note a troubling tendency for people to blame this situation on evil conspiracies by the likes of the Corn Refiners Association and other corporate types. This disguises the reality: almost all of the responsibility for this mess lies with consumers.
Nobody eats at McDonald's because of ag conglomerates. We line up at the counters because we just LOVE getting a double cheeseburger and a big glass of sugar water for only $2. The HFCS products fed to children are purchased by their parents and school cafeteria managers.
These corporations are not angels, but they are extremely minor players in this drama. Consumer dollars are the fuel that power the engine of lousy nutrition. Without our enthusiastic support, these corporations would collapse in a nanosecond. It has taken a little effort, but my wife and I have almost eliminated this crap from our diets. Anybody who really wants to can do the same.
Personally, I strongly advocate the move to put a tax on HFCS drinks. It seems very unlikely, and not because of industry opposition. The opposition of people (like the viewers of Faux News) is the real political problem.
Getting off of HFCS based sodas alone could probably make all the difference here in America...and I say that as a person who LOVED soda.
HFCS are one of several things that are really bad. The food corporations use it because it is very cheap.
Poison slipped into Baked goods and breads were a surprise for me....and catsup? Wow this will change how I view what I'm eating and loving. #1 I love good health and well being, so I'm taking your advice, Irene. Reposting this on FB...so my friends can see it...and stay healthy.
Ahah, perhaps a nice little Class Action Lawsuit will banish hfc from our lives forever and ever.