Boms
HFCS
16 September 2016
One of the most controversial ingredients in processed foods, and unfortunately one of the most popular ingredients, is high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is produced from corn starch; it also includes predominately fructose and glucose. It has higher proportions of fructose than regular corn syrup, usually forty-two or fifty-five percent more, with the remaining sugars being glucose and other sugars. High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that can be found in thousands of food and beverages throughout the United States. However, it contains many harmful effects on the human body and leads to many severe health issues. In the late 1970s, there was a shortage of cane sugar coming …show more content…
High fructose corn syrup is a processed food product and far from being considered a naturally occurring substance. Studies have shown that increased consumption of HFCS is linked to liver scarring, not to mention the obesity epidemic in the United States. When tested, rats with access to HFCS gained significantly more weight than the rats that had table sugar. Both samples had the same amount of calorie intake. We can only assume that if humans were tested, the same effects would occur. A newer discovery has been verified through research. It was discovered that fructose has been the main reason for a molecular mechanism that forces uncontrolled growth of the heart muscle. This condition has also been proven to lead to complete heart failure and restricts the amount of oxygen needed in the heart. Other health concerns include type two diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and high triglyceride levels. HFCS is also an empty calorie, leading it to be less hunger satisfying. This causes people to consume more than they should, increasing the harmful effects that will eventually occur. All of these harmful effects can lead to bigger and more severe effects, including death. It is best to stay away from any sugar, but most importantly high fructose corn syrup, to improve your …show more content…
There are many harmful effects that will inevitably occur when this is consumed, and it is important to change the way people eat before the negative effects are part of their everyday life. There are no known positive effects on the health system related to HFCS; the only positive effects are producer related. It is more important to take care of an individual’s health than to make producing food easier for companies. A strong revolution is needed to make sure high fructose corn syrup is not included as an ingredient