Obesity in children has tripled over the past 30 years. While sedentary lifestyles contribute to being overweight, recent research is showing that the production of some foods may greatly contribute to weight gain.
HFCS – High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup didn’t exist until 1957. Researchers named Marshall and Kooi developed an enzyme called glucose isomerase. This process rearranged the molecular composition of glucose and converted it to fructose. When natural glucose in corn syrup is altered and becomes fructose, it becomes much sweeter.
While the discovery of fructose may have benefited the corn growers, this process did no favors for the health of our children. During this time, sugar prices also increased making production of food products more expensive. Having fructose available seemed to be an economic solution to sweetener use.
In 1984 Coca-Cola and Pepsi began using the high-fructose corn syrup and production grew from 3 million tons in 1980 to 8 million tons in 1995. Fructose was off and running. Fructose began to replace sugar because it was sweeter and it took less of it to sweeten a product. Today, 42-55% of fructose has been genetically altered.
Mercury Found in High Fructose Corn Syrup
A study published by the Minneapolis-based non-profit Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) expressed great concern about the genetically altered fructose. Dr. David Wallinga, the director of IATP’s food and health program, tested 55 products that contained fructose. Detectable levels of mercury were found in 31% of the foods. Mercury has been linked to disabilities and other educational issues. Since fructose is not a natural food, the body does not react to it like a normal food item.
"Most carbohydrates containing sucrose, glucose and unaltered fructose cause our pancreas to create insulin. This in turn allows these sugars to be broke down into energy and then triggers our brain that we are full. High fructose corn syrup, on the other hand, does not cause the pancreas to produce insulin. HFCS goes straight to the liver where it is then treated like a chemical and turned to fat." [1]
The safety of fructose continues to be debated. Some believe that fructose is a contributing factor to behavior problems and learning disabilities. A recent study by prestigious Princeton University states that high fructose corn syrup caused a more significant weight gain in laboratory animals that sugar. While sugar has been blames for several years for weight gain, it now looks like it is not sugar but fructose.
Fructose is a Hidden Ingredient in Many Food Products
A recent article in the LA Times reported that the Corn Refiners Association has decided to change name glucose to "corn syrup" to evade the bad reputation fructose has developed. Unfortunately, the genetically altered substance will retain the same composition.
Since 1977 more food items contain sugar. Fructose has gained volume over sugar. Many food products contain fructose without the consumer knowing.
- sugary cereals
- toaster pastries
- soft drinks
- juice pouches and boxes
- jams and jellies
- salad dressings
- sauces
- ketchup
- canned fruit
- cookies
- crackers
In addition to the above, some other food items surprisingly contain fructose:
- canned ravioli
- pasta meals
- canned soups
- peanut butter
- breakfast or snack bars
- boxed stuffing
- vegetable drinks
- coffee
- energy drinks
Reading labels is imperative. Food sources should be "back to the basics" purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins. While real sugar is preferable over fructose, neither is a healthy choice.
If children coming to school have begun their day with a soda, a Pop-Tart, and a sugary cereal, it is no wonder that we have tripled obesity rates.
Barbara Pytel - Email me Experience Although I was never particularly fond of going to school as an ELL student, I ironically became a teacher, ...
