After the introduction of High Fructose Corn Syrup in the 1970's, America accepted HFCS, made from corn, as simply a new sugar. The food manufacturers were all for switching to HFCS as it was cheaper to produce and had other benefits as well. (It makes your food "taste" fresh instead of just being fresh!)If you read the HFCS website they tell you it's "nearly identical" to regular sugar:
High fructose corn syrup is composed of either 42 percent or 55 percent fructose, with the remaining sugars being primarily glucose and higher sugars. In terms of composition, high fructose corn syrup is nearly identical to table sugar (sucrose), which is composed of 50 percent fructose and 50 percent glucose. Glucose is one of the simplest forms of sugar that serves as a building block for most carbohydrates. Fructose is a simple sugar commonly found in fruits and honey.
High fructose corn syrup is used in foods and beverages because of the many benefits it offers. In addition to providing sweetness at a level equivalent to sugar, High fructose corn syrup enhances fruit and spice flavors in foods such as yogurt and spaghetti sauces, gives chewy breakfast bars their soft texture and also protects freshness. High fructose corn syrup keeps products fresh by maintaining consistent moisture.
High fructose corn syrup is composed of either 42 percent or 55 percent fructose, with the remaining sugars being primarily glucose and higher sugars. In terms of composition, high fructose corn syrup is nearly identical to table sugar (sucrose), which is composed of 50 percent fructose and 50 percent glucose. Glucose is one of the simplest forms of sugar that serves as a building block for most carbohydrates. Fructose is a simple sugar commonly found in fruits and honey.High fructose corn syrup is used in foods and beverages because of the many benefits it offers. In addition to providing sweetness at a level equivalent to sugar, High fructose corn syrup enhances fruit and spice flavors in foods such as yogurt and spaghetti sauces, gives chewy breakfast bars their soft texture and also protects freshness. High fructose corn syrup keeps products fresh by maintaining consistent moisture.
So what's the real problem? HFCS "tricks" your body into releasing Leptin and Insulin; two hormones your body releases when you are done eating. Unlike regular sugar, HFCS does NOT dampen your Ghrelin, which tells the body it's full. Leptin, Insulin, and Ghrelin all have to work together. If your Ghrelin continues to rise and not slow, it demands your body to eat more, and confuses the Leptin and Insulin levels. Simply put, HFCS is not processed by your body the way table sugar is. By drinking or eating HFCS you will consume more calories, even up to 24 hours later, and end up craving yet again more HFCS. It's an endless cycle which adds to America's rising obesity.
As the awareness rises on HFCS and America's entertainment turns to shows such as The Biggest Loser, we are more aware of the scares of weight gain associated with HFCS. Thus, soda sales are dropping. Did you know that Mexico's production of Pepsi and Coke are made without HFCS? Drinkers have even tried to bring it back because of this fact. Store chains like Wal-mart and Costco, do carry the Mexican made product with real sugar. So with all of that said, Pepsi finally stood up, took notice of their emptying wallets, and have now introduced their "limited time only" Throwback. They are advertising it to be the soda of the 80's. The only way to make it an "authentic" throwback is to remove the HFCS and replace it with sugar as it changes the flavor back to that of the 80's. You may have seen the commercials already where the last thing they tell you is "Made with real sugar". Thus in my mind, the REAL reason for the throwback. Not just because they thought it would be "cute" to re-release the old designed glass bottles.
So if we jump on this bandwagon we are telling the food and drink industry we are tired of HFCS.
Although I am not a soda drinker myself, for those of you who are or just can't give it up, send a message and buy the Throwback!
2 comments, Click here to add your comment!:
I don't drink Pepsi, but I would just for this one fact. Maybe it will send a message to Coca Cola also.
I first read about HFCS at least five years ago. I've been reading labels ever since and trying to avoid it. It's getting easier, as public awareness increases. I bought Pepsi Throwback when it was out last fall, and I was hoping they'd keep it available permanently. I've been buying Mexican Coca-Cola at Sam's Club, and picking up other sodas and energy drinks sans HFCS at Big Lots. I don't think HFCS is the only reason I've gained weight and can't seem to shed it, but it's certainly not helping.
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