Don't Believe the Hype. HFCS Sucks.

This tv commercial has been popping up recently. It's some damage control that high fructose corn syrup manufacturers are trying to spread.



The HFCS sellers say: It's made from corn.

So is moonshine. Their point is what, that only healthful and nutritious products can come from corn?

The HFCS sellers say: It has the same calories as sugar or honey.

True enough. But sugar and honey aren't completely manufactured and highly processed like HFCS.

The HFCS sellers say: It's fine in moderation.

Here's a little homework assignment for you. Next time you're in the supermarket, grab a hand basket and go up and down the aisles trying to fill it with food that doesn't list high fructose corn syrup as an ingredient. You'll have a heck of a time.

The stuff is so absurdly prevalent that "moderation" quickly becomes an all-or-none situation. In this case, it's in your best interest to lean towards none.

And, one note for that dopey guy who stammered when he had no comeback regarding "what they say about HFCS."

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study in 2004 which demonstrated a connection between an increased consumption of refined carbohydrates (such as HFCS) and type 2 diabetes.

Neat-o graph #1:

Prevalence of diabetes in the US (the dots) and corn syrup intake (the bars).

Neat-o graph #2:

Intake of processed cereals, which contain HFCS, (the dots) and the prevalence of diabetes in the US (the bars).

There you go, popsicle lady. HFCS is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and obesity. If you still want to share that popsicle, then you really must not love me. I am heartbroken.