High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a manufactured sweetener made from corn. It is generally composed of up to 55 percent fructose and 45 percent of other sweeter sugars that is made into a substance called glucose.

High Fructose History

Since 1977 and the rising cost of sugar, tariffs and quotas, HFCS has been increasingly accepted and used all other the United States as the cheaper alternative sweetener for its products. Because natural corn is made of glucose, research scientists manufactured glucose into fructose. Therefore, natural and mildly sweet corn syrup was changed into an extremely sweet high fructose corn syrup.

Unfortunately, high fructose corn syrup has been a replacement for regular table sugar, honey and other artificial sweeteners. It is found in the majority of our beverages and foods in the United States.

The High Fructose Dangers

From a chemical standpoint, HFCS or corn sugar is biochemically and physiologically different than cane sugar. This sugar compound moves rapidly through the bloodstream. Therefore the body has no need to digest it. HFCS directly affects the liver and produces unhealthy body fats, such as LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It also has a negative effect on the metabolism increasing numerous health issues.

Prolonged doses or consumptions of soft drinks, sports drinks and certain foods with HFCS actually create holes in the lining of the intestines. This then allows toxins from the gut and byproducts to cause inflammation in the body.

Because HFCS goes through the gallbladder, kidneys and liver, it is especially harmful to these organs causing permanent tissue scarring. It even affects the healthy tissues of the heart as well. Other health issues from large or prolonged consumptions of HFCS include obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

High Fructose Federal Regulations

Studies have proven that HFCS contains toxic levels of poisoned sugar like substance, called chlor-alkali. In fact, once HFCS is chemically analyzed, evidence of other peculiar substances is mixed in that is not of a sugar form at all. The Federal Department of Agriculture does not regulate HFCS for containing mercury and other harmful contaminants. Therefore it is widely used in products today.