High-fructose corn syrup is a type of sweetener made from corn syrup. It is commonly used as an ingredient in many processed foods and beverages.

High-fructose corn syrup is cheap to produce and has a long shelf life, which makes it popular in the food industry. However, it has been linked to a variety of health problems, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

What is High-Fructose Corn Syrup?

Corn syrup is a thick, sweet syrup that is made from cornstarch.

In the 1970s, food manufacturers discovered that by treating corn syrup with enzymes, they could convert some of the glucose molecules into fructose molecules, thereby creating high-fructose corn syrup.

High-fructose corn syrup is cheaper than sugar and is easier to use in manufacturing because it is a liquid, whereas sugar is a crystal.

High-fructose corn syrup can be found in many processed foods and drinks, including soda, fruit juice, candy, baked goods, and breakfast cereals.

How Does High-Fructose Corn Syrup Affect Your Health?

Studies show that high-fructose corn syrup affects your body differently than other types of sugar. One reason for this is that high-fructose corn syrup contains more fructose than regular sugar.

Fructose is metabolized differently than glucose, which is the main sugar found in your bloodstream. While glucose can be used for energy by every cell in your body, fructose can only be metabolized by your liver.

When you eat foods that contain high-fructose corn syrup, your liver breaks it down into several byproducts, including glucose, which can be used for energy, and triglycerides, which can be stored as fat in your body.

Obesity and Weight Gain

There is evidence that high-fructose corn syrup may contribute to obesity and weight gain.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants who consumed high-fructose corn syrup gained more weight than those who consumed the same amount of calories from other types of sugars. Another study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that people who consumed high-fructose corn syrup drank more calories from sugary beverages than those who did not.

Type 2 Diabetes

High-fructose corn syrup may also contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming high-fructose corn syrup can lead to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Another study published in the journal Global Public Health found that countries that consume more high-fructose corn syrup have higher rates of diabetes compared to countries that consume less.

Heart Disease

Research suggests that consuming high-fructose corn syrup may also increase your risk of developing heart disease.

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that consuming fructose, a component of high-fructose corn syrup, can lead to higher triglyceride levels, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Another study published in the journal Circulation found that consuming high-fructose corn syrup is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cancer

Some studies have suggested a link between high-fructose corn syrup and cancer. A study published in the journal Cancer Research found that fructose can increase the growth of pancreatic cancer cells.

Another study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that consuming high-fructose corn syrup can increase the growth of breast cancer cells. However, more research is needed to determine the link between high-fructose corn syrup and cancer.

Conclusion

High-fructose corn syrup is a cheap and common ingredient in many processed foods and beverages. However, it has been linked to a variety of health problems, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and possibly cancer.

While it is not necessary to completely eliminate high-fructose corn syrup from your diet, it is important to limit your intake and consume it in moderation.