High-fructose corn syrup has been getting more media attention in recent months due to its questionable health benefits. A high of intake of this sweetener has been linked to obesity, dental problems, poor nutrition and an increased risk of heart disease, reports MayoClinic.com. If your children consume many foods that contain high-fructose corn syrup, they face these issues now and as they get older.
Ketchup
Many children enjoy dipping their food into ketchup, but most brands contain high-fructose corn syrup. High-fructose corn syrup balances and enhances the flavor of the tomatoes, reports SweetSurprise.com. Many brands of ketchup are beginning to reformulate their recipes to cut out high-fructose corn syrup, and these healthier versions are available at many supermarkets. Allowing children to eat huge portions of ketchup with high-fructose corn syrup puts them at risk of obesity, reports Princeton University, so parents are advised to limit intake.
Bread
According to SweetSurprise.com, high-fructose corn syrup is often used to cook bread because it makes the crust an appealing color, helps the yeast rise and keeps the bread moist. Since children eat bread in the form of sandwiches and toast in many households across the country, this puts them at risk of consuming too much high-fructose corn syrup and having health problems as they get older. Many brands of bread are made without high-fructose corn syrup.
Cereal
Children commonly eat cereal for breakfast or as a snack, but many types are sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, reports Princeton University. Allowing your child to start the day with a cereal loaded with this sweetener can lead to weight gain and cavities. Cereal that is high in fiber and low in sugar, such as oatmeal, makes a better breakfast choice, according to the Stop HFCS website.
Frozen Juice
High-fructose corn syrup's low freezing point makes frozen concentrated juices easier to thaw and pour, reports SweetSurprise.com. Since many children drink large amounts of fruit juice, they may be getting too much of this sweetener in their diet, which can reduce the amount of other healthy foods they could be eating to cover nutrient recommendations.
References
- MayoClinic.com: What Are the Health Concerns About High-Fructose Corn Syrup?
- Princeton University: A Sweet Problem: Princeton Researchers Find That High-Fructose Corn Syrup Prompts Considerably More Weight Gain
- Stop HFCS: HFCS Free Food List
- SweetSurprise.com: High Fructose Corn Syrup in Foods and Beverages
- Consumer Reports: The Lowdown on High Fructose Corn Syrup
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