interesting info on high fructose corn syrup

3bearsmom
3bearsmom Posts: 34
edited September 18 in Food and Nutrition
I am doing a research paper for school concerning the high rate of obesity in this country and though I knew I didn't like the stuff, and NEVER buy juice for my kids containing it, I never realized why it was so bad for ya. I mean of course I heard things and my instincts told me to steer clear but...wow...did you know that the fructose in high fructose corn syrup is metabolized differently than glucose. Because of the fact that fructose enters the cells by way of a transporter that is not found in the brain, it doesn't provide the satiety signals to the brain that glucose does. So THAT is why I always want MORE cereal even when I've had an enormous bowl already!:huh: especially if I have a bowl of something like honey bunches of oats or some other "lightly sweetened" cereal. It also is metabolized by the liver which raises triglycerides significantly. for more info there is a wealth of sites addressing this, but I just wanted to share since I have become quite fascinated by all the ways the stuff affects us.

Replies

  • 3bearsmom
    3bearsmom Posts: 34
    I am doing a research paper for school concerning the high rate of obesity in this country and though I knew I didn't like the stuff, and NEVER buy juice for my kids containing it, I never realized why it was so bad for ya. I mean of course I heard things and my instincts told me to steer clear but...wow...did you know that the fructose in high fructose corn syrup is metabolized differently than glucose. Because of the fact that fructose enters the cells by way of a transporter that is not found in the brain, it doesn't provide the satiety signals to the brain that glucose does. So THAT is why I always want MORE cereal even when I've had an enormous bowl already!:huh: especially if I have a bowl of something like honey bunches of oats or some other "lightly sweetened" cereal. It also is metabolized by the liver which raises triglycerides significantly. for more info there is a wealth of sites addressing this, but I just wanted to share since I have become quite fascinated by all the ways the stuff affects us.
  • alaskagal
    alaskagal Posts: 326
    Hooray! You're getting the message out!

    I try to avoid HFCS every chance I get.

    Artificial sweeteners are another pet peeve of mine, too. But that's another paper, I'm sure :smile:

    :flowerforyou:
  • Eve23
    Eve23 Posts: 2,352 Member
    Excellent thank you for sharing. There is a high rate of sensitivities to corn in people and often they don't know. Corn has been modified so much that it is no longer considered a grain but a starch.

    In my family corn is a big sensitivity and corn syrup is in so many products.

    Its great that you are sharing.
  • kimber607
    kimber607 Posts: 7,128 Member
    We avoid hFCS as well...it's insane how mnay products, especially products advertised as healthy options contain HFCS

    maybe we can share some HFCS free foods?

    Kim
  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,789 Member
    I don't buy anything with HFCS or hydrogenated oils. In fact I took some chopped garlic back to Whole Foods (of all places!) because it had HFCS in it. Most of their stuff doesn't - even the clerk was surprised it was in their store, but it's not on their list of non-whole foods, foods.

    So, if you're looking for a type of food, let me know. I've been reading food labels since I was 14 - when I became a veggie and lard used to be in everything. :tongue:

    As far as processed foods go, Amy's is free of both. I was disappointed that Newman's Own sometimes had HFCS in it.
  • RowanC
    RowanC Posts: 38
    I'm so happy to see that some people are informed!

    Not only is all that corn syrup making us fatter, it is insidiously in EVERYTHING!

    I tried buying some hummus the other day and put it back after reading the label! Why would they put HFCS in hummus?! Sheesh!

    Easier just to make my own... and safer.

    Then, there's the fact that all that HFCS is made from frankencorn!
  • rem1979
    rem1979 Posts: 344 Member
    Damn, and I love Honey Bunches of Oats. Guess I need to find a new cereal.
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