Healthy Habits for the Family

High fructose Corn syrup, from the lips to the hips.

What is high fructose corn syrup? This sweet substance that makes some of our processed foods taste so good and taste like more is derived from cornstarch.

It is a combination of 55% fructose and 45% sucrose. It is treated with enzymes that convert glucose to fructose and results in a sweetener product. It is used in such foods as jelly, syrups, baked goods, sodas etc.

What are some facts about HFCS?

It has a long shelf life.
It is a man made substance.
It is less expensive to produce.
It is considered one of the contributors in the nations obesity crises.

The body processes the fructose in HFCS differently than the old fashion cane sugar which in turn alters the way metabolic regulative hormones function. It forces the liver to kick more fat into the bloodstream. What exactly does that mean? It means that our bodies are tricked into wanting to eat more and at the same time we store more fat.

Leptin is the chemical that our brain releases in order to signal to our body that we are full. HFCS blocks the release of that chemical therefore our body may think it is still hungry when in fact it is actually full and then we eat more than we should. Most experts encourage avoiding foods that are labeled low fat. Why? because of the HFCS that most of them contain. Of course it makes them taste better but most of the time you will desire to eat more than the recommended serving of that low fat food which in turn causes you to overeat. Why does that urge to eat one more of that tasty low fat treat happen? experts say, HFCS is the source.

Seems that food can be a complicated thing. Educating yourself is the key. Education about food, about your body, about what is good and what is bad. The truth of the matter is this. Foods found in their most natural state are the best food, sweets made the good old fashioned way and not from the box is better both in taste and for the body.

So remember to read labels and experiment. Find some recipes that have been in the family for generations. Recipes that may require more time, more effort but recipes that will be worth very bite both in a tasty way and a healthy way.