HFCS!  It’s NOT sugar!

You have probably heard that you should avoid eating high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).  But do you know what it is and why you should stop eating it?  HFCS is a sweetener that is made up of fructose and glucose; however, unlike sucrose (table sugar) HFCS is processed to change the ratio of the fructose and glucose.  This makes it sweeter than sugar.  Do you know why so many companies choose to sweeten their drinks & foods with HFCS?  Simply because it is the one of the most cost effective ways to sweeten your food & it maintains a longer shelf life than sucrose,  not because it is good for you!

According to Princeton University, rats that drank HFCS gained significantly more weight than those with access to table sugar.  Long term consumption of the HFCS also led to increases in body fat and triglycerides.  Dr. Andrew Weill says “HFCS is definitely bad for you”!  He feels it is a major cause of the obesity epidemic in our society. 

So, what are you going to do about it?  Start reading the labels of your foods.  HFCS is primarily seen in processed foods like cereals, salad dressings, ketchup, jams, jellies, ice cream, bars, cookies and soft drinks.  If you see High Fructose Corn Syrup in the ingredients, do NOT buy it!  There are many companies who make these foods without HFCS now.  Be proactive and intelligent about what you put in your mouth.  It will benefit your hormones and weight loss to avoid HFCS.  

FAMILY ACTION: With your children, look at the labels of your food already in your house!  Explain to your children why HFCS is not good for their body and throw it away!  If you educate your children now, they will make great food choices as they grow up!