Its not by chance that obesity has been a growing problem for the last 30 years. Though the food industry and subsidized farming would have you believe that obesity is to due to a sedentary lifestyle, there seems to be a link between the introduction of products using high fructose corn syrup and obesity. The government gives money to farmers who produce corn and other grains, making them the cheapest products to produce, regardless of the potential dangers they possess.
The Cost of Fruits and Vegetables vs the Cost of Grains
Since farmers don't get equal funding for their crops, you see a big difference in the price of certain foods at the store. Compare the cost of fruits and vegetables with grains, for example. Wheat products, pastas and corn are cheaper when compared to apples, broccoli and spinach. To take the comparison further, a report by the US Public Interest Research Group states that the government spent $260 billion on agricultural subsidies from 1995 to 2010.
$17 billion of that money was spent directly on producing things that make us fat, like corn syrup and corn starch. In other words, billions of our tax dollars are being used to make corn syrup, which is causing obesity. While we struggle to eat healthier and seek ways to lose weight, we are investing our money in junk food.
Another reason high fructose corn syrup has become so popular is because it is sweeter than natural sugar so companies can use less of it in their products, therefore saving more money. The problem is that while everyone looks to cut corners and save money, our health is paying the price.
The Problem with High Fructose Corn Syrup
Though it also acts as a sweetener, high fructose corn syrup reacts differently than table sugar. High fructose corn syrup, first introduced in 1970, leads you to eat more and gain more weight because it fools your body into thinking you're hungry. It confused your hormones because it doesn't release leptin, so you feel unsatisfied and crave more.
High fructose corn syrup is known to cause insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, abnormal increase of fat and high cholesterol. This corn based sweetener directly stores fat in a way that can quickly put you at risk for heart disease and weight gain. A Princeton University study found evidence to support this, stating that it prompts considerably more weight gain.
Though research on sugar and high fructose corn syrup continues, most experts agree that we need to limit both to protect your health and your waistline. The more processed our food is, the less healthy it becomes. Processed food that contain either sugar or high fructose corn syrup contribute to weight gain.
Sources:
Doheny, Kathleen. “How Sugar Compares with High Fructose Corn Syrup, WebMD. Oct 11, 2010.
Huffstutter, P.J., “Report Links Farm Subsidies, Obesity,” Los Angeles Times, www.sacbee.com. Sept 26, 2011.
Jacques, Jacqueline. “High Fructose Corn Syrup: A Not-So-Sweet Story,” www.obesityaction.org. Accessed Sept 27, 2011.
Laidler, Jim. “High Fructose Corn Syrup: Tasty Toxin or Slandered Sweetener?” Science Based Medicine. Aug 23, 2010.
Mohr, Christopher. “The Dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup,” Diabetes Health. Aug 20, 2008.
Parker, Hillary. “A Sweet Problem: Princeton Researchers Find that High Fructose Corn Syrup Prompts Considerably More Weight Gain,” Princeton University. Mar 22, 2010.
Porter, Doug. “How the Government Encourages Obesity: The High Fructose Corn Syrup Story,” www.obrag.org. Jan 13, 2009.
Nelson, Jennifer. “What are the Health Concern about High Fructose Corn Syrup?” Mayo Clinic. Oct 23, 2010.
Walsh, Brain. “Getting Real About the High Price of Cheap Food,” Time Magazine Health. Aug 21, 2009.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Tracy Rose - Tracy Rose is a powerflifter who holds the state record in deadlifting and has had success in her own weight loss journey.
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