Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. ~Douglas Adams

Sodas get a bad rap because they contain high fructose corn syrup.

For some reason, “health drinks” like Vitamin Water don’t, although they contain crystalline fructose, which is pretty much the same thing. In fact, crystalline Fructose includes an even higher percentage of fructose than HFCS.
What? Is our society a sucker for drinks with pretty labels and witty text? Can just anyone put a bright, happy label on something obviously unhealthy and still get us to buy it?

Time for a wake up call!

Why High Fructose Corn Syrup is Unhealthy

• High Fructose Corn syrup can increase your risk of heart disease
• It raises blood levels of cholesterol and of triglycerides
• HFCS leads to mineral loss
• You’ll gain more weight, “Because it is metabolized by the liver, fructose does not cause the pancreas to release insulin the way it normally does. Fructose converts to fat more than any other sugar.”
• Copper deficiency, another side effect of too much High Fructose Corn Syrup, leads to “to bone fragility, anemia, defects of the connective tissue, arteries, and bone, infertility, heart arrhythmias, high cholesterol levels, heart attacks, and an inability to control blood sugar levels.”

Is it really worth all that to get your caffiene fix?

Because HFCS is cheaper then other sugars, it’s creeping into all of our foods; from ketchup to protein bars. Next time you’re at the store, double check labels to make sure what you’re buying doesn’t have High Fructose Corn Syrup, or it’s close cousin, Crystalline Fructose.

~Rika

As annoyed at the FDA for allowing HFCS to continue to be used as I am? Read about another case of High Fructose Corn Syrup and the drink that is forever on my blacklist here.

Sources:

The Double Danger of High Fructose Corn Syrup

Los Angeles Times

Mayo Clinic

Wikipedia Article