Why is it used: HFCS is cheaper, sweeter, and preserves food longer than regular sugar.
Where is it found: HFCS is found in most soft drinks and soda pops, fruit juices, canned fruits, jams and jellies and processed foods.
Why avoid it: Fructose contains no enzymes, vitamins or minerals, and it leeches micronutrients from the body. It can interfere with the heart's
use of minerals such as magnesium, copper and chromium. Fructose also
makes it harder for insulin to recognize sugar in the body, which is the
principle characteristic of type 2 diabetes. HFCS has been shown to elevate blood cholesterol levels, and it has been found to inhibit the action of the immune system's white blood cells. Fructose converts to fat more than any other sugar, leading to elevated triglyceride (fat) levels in the body. This is thought to be a major cause of obesity. Fructose also interacts with oral contraceptives
and elevates insulin levels in women on "the pill." Because the
manufacturing process of HFCS often requires the use of mercury, it is
one of the most common sources of environmental mercury today.
Healthy Alternatives: To reduce high-fructose corn syrup in your diet, read food labels and avoid any foods that have it as an ingredient. Here are some easy tips for cutting back on high-fructose corn syrup:
* Choose Whole Foods over processed foods whenever possible
* Drink water instead of soda pop.
* Choose fresh fruit instead of fruit juices. Even 100 percent fruit juice has a
high concentration of sugar.
* When buying fruit juice, look for 100 percent fruit juice instead of fruit-flavored drinks.
* Choose fruit canned in its own juices instead of heavy syrup.
* Use agave nector, maple syrup, stevia or honey to sweeten your foodFor more information, visit our website at www.valleychiroassoc.com
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