High fructose corn syrup

High fructose corn syrup

High fructose corn syrup is a type of sugar produced from corn starch through industrial processing. It is similar to ordinary table sugar, but they vary in terms of glucose and fructose ratios. For instance, regular table sugar which is a type of sucrose contains 50% glucose and 50% fructose while high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contains 45% glucose and 55% fructose (Malik, 2019). Most of our diets carry a variety of foods and beverages that comes with different types of sugar. Sugar is one of the essential macronutrients in our bodies as it provides energy in the form of calories. The energy produced by sugar also helps the various cells in our bodies to survive.

High fructose corn syrup as an artificial sugar is mostly added to beverages during manufacturing as a sweetener. One of the principal sources of added sugar in our diet mainly is beverages, grains and sweets. However, there are misconceptions on whether sugar on these foodstuffs and drinks are naturally in food or added. Sugar in our bodies, whether natural or added, are metabolized equally. The differences are that natural sugar from stuff such as fruit came with healthful nutrients and packaged with fibre. This differs from added sugar such as high fructose corn syrup which is composed of varying ratios of fructose and glucose.

Glucose and fructose have got different metabolic rates, and these could lead to differences in metabolic health. High fructose syrup contains a 55% fructose and 45% glucose means it adds an incredible amount of fructose to our diet. Unlike glucose which increases blood glucose or insulin levels, higher fructose in the body has little impact on the body unless one has got diabetes. Fructose from this high fructose corn syrup is metabolized in the liver, and it may be converted in the form of fats, thus resulting in diseases and weight gain.

High fructose corn syrup is usually added to beverages and according to Malik, (2019) added sugar on drinks has been associated with weight gain, higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Obesity and weight gain have always been associated with sugar in beverages and fast foods—high fructose corn syrup as an added sugar in beverages plus a key role in causing obesity.  Fructose in HFCS can be in the form of fats, which thus links it to diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Excessive intake of high fructose corn syrup can lead to resistance of insulin release from the pancreas, which leads to diabetes. The body may fail to control the blood sugar levels, and when it persists for long, both the sugar level and insulin will increase. The high blood sugar levels mean sugar starts building in the bloodstream instead of moving into the cells.

High fructose corn syrup may also cause a metabolic syndrome which is mainly associated with cardiovascular diseases. Many cardiovascular severe conditions have been linked with high consumption of fructose in the body. They can be converted into fats which leads to narrowing of blood vessels or blocking them, thus causing conditions such as strokes and heart attack.

As Malik (2019) states, it is best for everyone if beverage companies regulate the content of added sugar to the recommended intake levels. Also, high intake of sugar is linked to weight gain and cardiovascular disease. This makes it essential for us to take good care of our bodies by reducing the level of sugar intake and perform different physical exercises.

Work Cited

Malik, Vasanti. “Are Certain Types of Sugars Healthier than Others?” Harvard Health Blog, 30 May, 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-certain-types-of-sugars-healthier-than-others-2019052916699.