We Americans digest more High Fructose Corn Syrup or “HFCS” than natural sugar and the ratio is rising. Why? Because it’s cheaper and easier to transport than traditional sugar??
It is found in soft drinks, cereals, condiments and a host of other products and even in “natural foods.” A quick check of ingredients will surprise you; it’s in almost everything manufactured.
What’s the big deal…? Well the “fructose” in HFCS is not the same as found in nature’s “fruit sugar” and in nature, fructose has fiber associated with it and doesn’t affect the blood sugar much.
Also HFCS fails to increase the body’s production of leptin and insulin which are your body’s signals to turn down the appetite and control weight. This failure results in eating more because your body can’t tell when its full.
I’ve coached people that have been drinking at least a 12-pack of soda a day. I challenged them to drink the same amount of water as they did soda. NONE of them could do it. Why? Because soda never told them they were full but water did.
Am I saying never drink or eat anything with HFCS?? No, but if you can use at least the 80/20 rule by eating mostly from nature, you will be able to curb the effects of eating foods that keep you eating because you can’t tell when you’re full.
So, is HFCS really just cheaper and easier to transport or does it make companies more dough because you eat and drink more, due to the fact you can’t tell when you’re full?? Only you can answer that question.
Yours in Informed Choice – Coach
At Christmas 2004 I decided I was drinking to much soda. I switched from regular to diet, knowing I didn’t like the taste, I thought I would drink less. At first it worked and I got use to the taste. I did however lose about 20 pounds doing this. Now I am limiting myself to 1 diet soda a day and drinking tea or water for the rest of the day. It has been working well for me so far. I get out of bed in the morning easier now and fall asleep better now. I am hoping by the end of the year to have soda cut out of my diet completely.
This is good information to learn about. I had no idea why companies went to HFCS instead of a pure fruit sugar ingredient. This should help all of the people trying to diet that think they are eating the right foods just to find out that thier bodies are deceiving them.
Thank you for this great information! I have cut sodas off! It was difficult and at times still is. However, I drink so much water now the soda tastes awful! 🙂
I quite soda when I was in high school because my dentist recommended it…no, more like ordered me! There is nothing better than having a beautiful smile and all that dark soda and sugar can ruin your pearly whites! Just the thought of that helped me to stop drinking soda.
Ready for a crazy rant? Ok, here goes: HFCS is a *huge* conspiracy against us and our health! It’s in nearly everything processed, like Dr. Vik says (even the things you think would contain or need to contain any type of sweetener). It’s the dang corn lobby pushing their products on manufacturers and trying to get more money. Everything’s about money. And then the manufacturers get more money cause we buy more cause we eat more cause our poor bodies are tricked into thinking they’re not full when they really are. Aaaaaaah! Ok, I’m done now. 🙂 Do I still eat processed foods? Yes, but I’ve cut back a lot and I always ALWAYS read the labels. If there are too many things I can’t pronounce or if HFCS is too high up on that list (or sometimes if its there at all), I won’t buy it. I’ve completely cut 99.99% of fast food out of my diet over the past couple of months, and sodas too. I don’t crave either one any more, which is awesome! Plus, I feel better knowing I’m not contributing as much to the greedy corn lobby’s conspiracy, haha. Ok, I need to eat lunch apparently, cause I’m hungry and crabby. That’s my 2 cents worth! (with about 50 more added on)
I used to drink a 12 pack of soda a day when I was in college. I could never keep up with my cravings for DP. Now I’m lucky if I drink one or two a week. I still get soda with my fast food. *cringe* But I can’t stand the fact that my body was so addicted to something. Be careful what you eat, you’ll turn into a giant Twinkie!
I’ve made it a habit to read ingredients on everything that I buy…The most important part to make note of is the first 5 ingredients. You’d be surprised to learn that a lot of so-called “healthy” foods out there contain High Fructose Corn Syrup, or some other “Hydrogenated” oils in the first 5 or 10 ingredients!
The best rule of thumb to go by when eating healthier is…anything that says “Hydrogenated”, “Enriched” (as in enriched flour, enriched wheat..etc..), it’s best to stay away from them.
It’s amazing how much better you feel when you stop putting junk in your body!
I completely stopped drinking soda about three weeks ago and to tell it the truth…it wasn’t that hard. I mostly drink water now and I have started drinking crystal light on the go and I feel so much BETTER!One of the best choices I have ever made :]
Ever since I discovered how bad high fructose corn syrup is for my body, I started reading labels constantly. It’s amazing how many products have it as one of their first ingredients. I made the decision to significantly decrease the amount of high fructose corn syrup that I consume, and it’s really improved my quality of life. I used to drink fruit juice thinking I was being healthy – most juices are less than 20% juice, the rest is just sugar. I just feel less sluggish now.
Thanks for the great article, Dr. Vik!