High fructose corn syrup is an artificial sweeter used as a substitute for sugar. It is made by converting the sugar in cornstarch to fructose and combining it with glucose to create another form of sugar. It is cheaper than sugar therefore it is widely used as an ingredient in sodas, fruit flavored drinks and other processed foods. There is on-going controversy about high fructose corn syrup and its effects on the body. Since it is a common additive present in all processed foods, it is suspected to result various health problems.
Epidemic Obesity
Genetic and environmental factors play an important role in the development of obesity. According to "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," an increase in intake of carbonated drinks such sodas, fruit juices and other sweetened beverages and processed foods has led to an increase in total caloric consumption as well as fructose consumption, which is considered to be the primary reason why epidemic obesity is rampant. The body consumes a specific amount of normal sugars for energy consumption. Any additional sugar is converted to fat and is stored immediately in the body. High fructose corn syrup is another form of sugar; however, the body does not recognize it as sugar, thus it is accepted immediately into the body as a fat content.
Type II Diabetes
According to website Men's Stuff, a high fructose diet may trigger the onset of adult diabetes as a result of genetic and environmental factors. Type II diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance alone or in conjunction with a reduction in insulin synthesis and secretion. Although the exact mechanisms are unknown, there is a link between diet and exercise; since high fructose corn syrup can cause obesity, an increase in insulin resistance may often occur with compensatory hyperinsulinemia. High fructose corn syrup also decreases the production of chromium which is an essential mineral for balancing insulin in the body which may cause high cholesterol levels or hyperglycemia.
Heart and Liver Diseases
There are three different types of sugar in the body, namely glucose, fructose and sucrose. Glucose can easily be digested and can be converted to energy. Sucrose is comprised of one molecule of glucose and another molecule of fructose. While fructose is a kind of sugar found in cornstarch, it is metabolized rapidly in the liver which floods the metabolic pathways that leads to augment triglyceride synthesis and fat storage in the liver. An increase in triglyceride will promote atherogenic lipid profile which can aid to elevate cardiovascular risk. According to Life Extension Magazine, since high fructose corn syrup contributes greatly in fat consumption in the body, it may also lead to an increased incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and as well as metabolic syndrome.
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