High Fructose Corn Syrup...

seems to be a controversial ingredient. Have you ever even heard of it? It is a common ingredient in things like soda pop and fruit juice. It is a replacement for sugar. Some say it poses serious health risks, others claim it is no more dangerous than regular sugar, and shouldn't be treated any different. So... what is the truth?

According to MayoClinic.com, HFCS may be linked to obesity, which then can lead to diabetes and a whole range of other health issues. And when consumed in large amounts, these products containing HFCS tend to replace healthier, more beneficial beverages and foods. They sum it up well: "Many beverages and other processed foods made with high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners are high in calories and low in nutritional value. " If you want a more scientific approach and explanation, visit The Weston A. Price Foundation.

The fact of the matter is, it is a cheaper ingredient for companies to put into their products - that's why they choose HFCS over sugar. But after so much commotion from the general public, companies like Gatorade, Hunt's and Wheat Thins are switching back to natural sugars. To me, that says a lot. Companies are responding to concern, and admitting that what they were doing maybe did not have the consumers best interests (or best health) at heart. But let's face it: we all know drinking too much soda pop or eating too much processed foods isn't good for us. If something can last on a shelf for YEARS, how long will it last in our systems? Common sense says if we want to be healthy, to stick to the fresh foods, and limit the processed foods. Mayo Clinic offered the following suggestions:

"If you're concerned about the amount of high-fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners in your diet, consider these tips:

• Limit processed foods.
• Avoid foods that contain added sugar.
• Choose fresh fruit rather than fruit juice or fruit-flavored drinks. Even 100 percent fruit juice has a high concentration of sugar.
• Choose fruit canned in its own juices instead of heavy syrup.
• Drink less soda.
• Don't allow sweetened beverages to replace milk, especially for children."