Could it be true? Has high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – which is in a crazy amount of foods and beverages like soda pop – been getting a bad rap it doesn’t deserve? Is it actually no worse than sugar, which also lurks in many products?
In 2004, research linked the increase of people getting more high-fructose corn syrup in their diets to the rise in obesity. This led to more research and a lot of concern over the cheap sweetener which seems to be everywhere.
But now – is science proving otherwise? This week, five new papers find no special link between HFCS and obesity. And one of those reports was written by Barry Popkin, a co-author on the first paper speaking out against the sweetener in 2004.
“It doesn’t appear that when you consume high-fructose corn syrup, you have any different total effect on appetite than if you consume any other sugar,” he tells USA Today.
The research seems to show sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup are not that different. And that if you have a lot of fructose – whether from HFCS or from table sugar – both will increase triglycerides, which could make you more at risk for heart disease.
I know we haven’t heard the end of this. And I want to know what you think. Has HFCS gotten an unfair shake? Have you cut back or cut out HFCS from your diet or do you not really think it’s that big of a deal?
And Cathy (A Life Less Sweet) – I definitely want to hear your take on this new research.
***UPDATED – See what A Life Less Sweet has to say about this over here.
[Photo Credit: stock.xchng]
We have experts debate this in the current issue of James Hubbard’s My Family Doctor.
I think the jury is still out. In a few years someone will discover long term effects like they did in trans fats or they may find no effects. You have to weigh the risks and take your chances in things like this.
It’s definitely an interesting debate. I wonder what the final verdict will be.
Instinctively, not scientifically, I want to consume foods that are less processed and are better for people and the planet as a whole. But what about the big picture – is making HFCS better for the earth than making organic maple syrup, agave nectar or even organic cane sugar? I think not and others think the same way: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/06/AR2008030603294.html.
Comparing the relative benefits / flaws of refined sugar and HFCS is simply confusing the issue.
The make-up of both sweeteners is very similar.
Neither are good for you.
For me, the big knock against HFCS is how ubiquitous it is in our Western Diet.
Replacing it with table sugar would be no better.
But I am sure that the corn lobby will be more than happy to spin this research in their favor.
It’s been a busy, busy day here, but I managed to jot off a quick post addressing the research. So, my comment to your post is in my blog: http://alifelesssweet.blogspot.com/
(And I’m looking forward to reading the HFCS debate in My Family Doctor!)
In addition to the research referenced in the USA Today article above, you can get more high fructose corn syrup facts at http://www.sweetsurprise.com.
-Kevin, on behalf of the Corn Refiners Association
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the info – I’m sure we’ll be hearing more on this issue over the next few years.
I think what these studies do – more than making people think critically about their eating behavior – is provoke alarmist reactions. Sugar’s bad; HFCS is bad – let’s go on a crazy diet! NO! Moderate, make thoughtful, careful choices, exercise, and most importantly…
DON’T FREAK OUT!
Good point, ladyspy79 – no freaking out, people!