Insidious HFCS

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Created on Sunday, 16 August 2009 01:00

Do you know about the insidious HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP? It is in everything! To avoid HFCS you pretty much have to not eat anything processed. Now why would I suggest that you avoid it? Well, if you don't believe in eating something that is genetically engineered, you need to know that in making HFCS, two enzymes used in the process must be genetically engineered. For an easy to understand explanation of how HFCS is processed, visit this site.

But more importantly is what HFCS does to your body. The body processes the fructose in high fructose corn syrup differently than it does old-fashioned cane or beet sugar. It actually alters the way metabolic-regulating hormones function. It also forces the liver to kick more fat out into the bloodstream (in the form of triglycerides). What does that mean? HFCS entices you to want to eat more and at the same time stores more fat in your body.

Your digestive system has two main hormones that control hunger and appetite. Ghrelin is secreted by the stomach and increases your appetite. When your stomach's empty, it sends ghrelin out, requesting food. Leptin tells your brain that you're full. HFCS inhibits leptin secretion, so you never get the message that you're full. And HFCS never shuts off ghrelin, so even though you have food in your stomach, you constantly get the message that you're hungry. A double whammy surely leading to obesity!

So it seems to me if eating HFCS leads to getting high triglycerides and becoming obese, it might be a good idea to avoid it. Wouldn't you agree?