High Fructose Corn Syrup, Vol I.

This week I am doing a bit of an experiment, which is not consuming items containing high fructose corn syrup, or corn syrup. I am not abstaining from all sugar, just that specific source of sugar. You may be wondering why, so I am going to tell you.

High fructose corn syrup for the most part is composed of both fructose and glucose (much like sucrose, also known as Cane or Beet sugar). As you can infer from the name, the fructose portion of the sugar is in a higher quantity than the glucose part, but that is not the only difference. Another difference is the molecular makeup of the two types of sugar, mainly that High fructose corn syrup is composed of two separate molecules for the fructose and glucose, and sucrose is composed of one molecule.

High fructose corn syrup is cheaper than Cane or Beet sugar, which becomes obviously clear when you go to a local grocery store and wish to purchase a soda. Often those labeled "Made with Pure Cane Sugar" are more expensive.

There are many theories about what High fructose corn syrup does to the body. One of the major theories is that high fructose corn syrup is more readily converted to fat by the liver, which increases the potential for blockages within the cardiovascular system.

Regardless of whether the theories are correct or not, High fructose corn syrup is bringing about a number of troubling trends. For one thing, it is in far too many foods we as an American populace consume, and it is something that many nutritionists site as one of the major contributing factors to the rising obesity levels in America. Over consumption of sugar period is not good for the system, leading to many hazardous effects on personal health down the road, and the inclusion of High fructose corn syrup in everything does not encourage moderation.

The reason I have chosen to exclude High fructose corn syrup from my diet this week is that it is included in most processed foods, which we should eat less of anyway, and also by the fact by dis-including this one major source of sugar, I will be better off because I will consume less of sugar overall. Hopefully I will take what I gather from this experience and utilize it in my life after this week.

Overall, if you're going to consume sugar period, consume it in moderation. If you are going to give it to yourself or someone else, try to find a more natural source vs. a processed source. Consuming 100% juice is much better than consuming 5% juice with added sweeteners. In fact, its much better to just eat an apple than drink it if you're going the natural route. I am not for totally abstaining from sugar, I believe it is completely fine to have some, but, please watch what you eat so we don't have to watch what you become.