When it comes to weight management a hot subject these days is high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is a processed sugar that is in most soft drinks and many foods. In 1970, consumption of the sweetener began to rise dramatically over a twenty years period.

During this period fat consumption dropped but the occurrence of obesity continued to climb. This led many health experts to conclude that consumption of high fructose corn syrup is responsible for excess body fat. In 2004, research revealed that consumption of the sweetener was directly related to the current obesity epidemic in North America. The report stated that the increase in its consumption far exceeded the consumption of any other food or beverage.

The fructose in high fructose corn syrup is not the same as naturally occurring fructose found in fruit. It has been highly processed, stripping it of key nutrients needed for proper metabolism.

Fructose in its natural form is known to be a healthy sweetener because of its low glycemic value. Because it is not absorbed well by the body and doesn’t trigger the release of insulin, it is often used as a sweetener for overweight individuals and diabetics. However, if fructose is combined with a form of glucose such as corn syrup, absorption is increased. The liverl then converts excess fructose into body fat. Because it is not metabolized the same way as glucose it causes more rapid weight gain than excess glucose in the body.

High fructose corn syrup and white sugar are very high calorie foods because they are both very highly processed. White sugar (sucrose) is a combination of fifty percent glucose and fifty percent fructose. High fructose corn syrup contains fifty five percent fructose, which causes even more rapid weight gain than sugar. Research suggests that excess fructose begins to be stored as body fat a few hours after consumption. Manufacturers prefer the sweetener to white sugar because it is sweeter and therefore less expensive.

There are many products available today to satisfy the sweet tooth that do not contain high fructose corn syrup. Choose products that have been sweetened with natural fruit juices, raw cane sugar or stevia. The best choice for satisfying a sweet tooth is fresh fruit because of the nutrient and fiber content. Replace soft drinks with 100% pure fruit juices, pure water or organic milk. When buying packaged foods always check food labels for added sugars. Competitively priced, naturally sweetened, food products can be found in several leading grocery chains or in natural food stores, which are available in most cities in North America today.