Glitzy commercial advertising is doing its best to convince us that high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is natural. Sure, HFCS originally comes from nature as it is derived from corn, but the similarity of HFCS to anything found in nature stops there.
To begin with, much of HFCS is made from genetically-modified corn, a health compromising growing process. After processing, HFCS is left as unbound fructose, devoid of enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. HFCS can prohibit vital organs in the body, such as the heart, from being able to utilize what minerals it may receive.
The main difference between glucose and unbound fructose, the type found predominantly in HFCS, is the way the body processes them. Fructose, not the kind found naturally in whole fruit, is dangerous to the liver as it directly converts HFCS into fat, bypassing the body’s natural design to choose what to do with the sugar-burn, store, or convert into fat.
When the liver becomes hampered in its mission, the chances of becoming insulin resistant, or being a target for diabetes, are much greater. With so many people consuming vast amounts of HFCS, no wonder there is a national epidemic of diabetes as well as related conditions including heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.
If these weren’t enough to worry about, HFCS can contribute to brain and nervous system disorders. Because of processing methods using caustic soda, HFCS is left with an overload of mercury, a toxic heavy metal known to play a part in neurological conditions leading to developmental delays, learning disabilities, and mental decline.
HFCS is preferred by manufacturers due to the lack of sugar crystallization for items like candy, ice cream, and soda, but it is also found in items not suspected like cereal and bread. In fact, the average American consumed 56 pounds of HFCS in 2007.
For more research on HFCS and mercury toxicity, visit: http://www.mercola.com/
While there, sign up for the free weekly e-newsletter offered on this site.THREE CHEERS for: Lundberg Rice Chips
Lundberg Family Farms, manufacturer of Lundberg Rice Chips, has been in operation since 1937. Their mission is to produce rice in such a way to be in keeping with nature as well as leave the environment in better shape for coming generations.
Lundberg rice chips are thin, crunchy, and tasty. They appeal not only to those who suffer from Celiac Disease, a digestive disorder involving the inability to process grains as they are naturally gluten and wheat free, but they also appeal to anyone who wants a serious snack.
Lundberg Rice Chips come in several flavors: Sea Salt, Pico de Gallo, Sesame & Seaweed, Santa Fe Barbeque, Honey Dijon, and Fiesta Rice. Enjoy! http://www.lundberg.com/
GIVE ME FIVE:
Five supplements for metabolic syndrome:
- Chromium
- Magnesium
- Vanadium
- Vitamin B
- Zinc
