Question

Do you think that HFCS is more problematic than sucrose and other traditional sugars? Is it contributing to the obesity epidemic? Are there any health implications associated with its use that go above and beyond that of normal sugars?

Answer 1

There is little evidence to suggest that HFCS is inherently harmful than other sugars. HFCS and sucrose are problematic to health.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener made from corn starch. HFCS is a common sweetener in sodas and fruit- flavoured drink. It is chemically similar to table sugar. HFCS contains water. In sucrose, a chemical bond joints the glucose and fructose. If consumed, stomach acid and gut enzymes rapidly break down the chemical bond. In HFCS , there is no chemical bond between glucose and fructose.

Long-term studies indicate that excessive intake of sugar, including HFCS plays a key role in development of obesity. Fructose also promotes visceral fat accumulation. Visceral fat surrounds your organs and is the most harmful form of body fat.

Here are few serious potential side effects of sugar consumption including HFCS and table sugar

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

This is caused in which the cells cannot use blood sugar efficiently for energy. This happens when cells become insensitive to insulin and the blood sugar gradually gets too high.

• Heart diseases

Cardio vascular disease can be caused by having too much corn syrup and sugar in diet. The extra insulin in blood stream can affect the arteries. It causes inflammation in arterial wall , this stresses heart and damages overtime.

• Dementia

Excess consumption of sugar can hinder your memory. When your body creates an insulin resistance, it can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

• Liver Failure

The organ uses one type of sugar, called fructose to make fat. Too much of refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup causes a fatty build up that can lead to liver disease.