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Another Reason to Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup: Mercury
The Corn Refiners Association has been hard at work trying to change our perceptions about high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), but they may have a new public relations battle on their hands. Two new US reports found mercury in both commercial samples of HFCS and products that listed high fructose corn syrup as the first or second ingredient.
Almost half the commercial samples of the corn sweetener tested positive for mercury, and almost a third of the tested food and beverage products contained detectable levels of the heavy metal as well.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup vs. Sugar
You've probably seen those commercials boasting that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) isn't as bad for you as you think, since it's made from all-natural corn. It's misleading though because just like refined white sugar, HFCS is a highly processed sweetener. Both sugar and HFCS provide zero nutrition and loads of empty calories.
More on High Fructose Corn Syrup
The ads promoting high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) that are airing on TV irritate me to no end and I know they bother a few of you as well. The controversy surrounding the ad campaign, which is estimated to cost around $20 to $30 million, continues to grow. The basic premise of the ads is that HFCS is natural since it is made from corn (they don't mention how processed the syrup truly is) and that it is just like sugar.
The Skinny On: High Fructose Corn Syrup
When I started reading food labels, way back when, I must admit that I thought high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was made out of fruit, because of the "fructose," as well as corn. Now that I have been schooled over the years, I know that this sweetener is made from cornstarch that goes through a serious amount of processing.
The Corn Refiners Association has started the sweet surprise ad campaign to try to reclaim consumers' hearts and dollars.
Speak Up: Are You Surprised by the Sweet Surprise Ads
The Corn Refiners Association is fighting back. They are sick and tired of their favorite ingredient high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) being maligned by the liberal press. They have hired a PR agent and an ad team to teach you that HFCS is not only good for you, it is natural as well.
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Coke Launches New 90-Calorie Mini Can
Coca-Cola is giving consumers even more ways to manage their calories with the introduction of its new 7.5 oz. mini can. The 90-calorie can will be released in select East Coast cities this December, with a nationwide rollout set for 2010.
Pop Quiz: From Jessica Biel to HFCS
The first month of the new year is almost over. Time flies, and we have covered a lot of territory this week on FitSugar — have you been paying attention? Take this short quiz to see.
Healthy Dose Link Time
- Campfire cooking doesn't always have to include marshmallows — That's Fit
- Declare independence from jiggle and race on July 4th — Vital Juice Daily
- Jewel tweets photos of her bikini bod? — Fit Celeb
- Sometimes it takes a trainer to bust out of a fitness rut — Fit Bottomed Girls
- Soda makers swap out HFCS for sugar; no big deal — Nutrition Data Blog
- 6 secrets behind the power of Pilates — Shape
- Nitrate-free bacon makes scallops sing with flavor — Mark's Daily Apple
- Are your eating habits disordered? — Healthy Bites
Does It or Doesn't It Contain Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are used by many companies instead of sugar because they're less expensive. Even though they're made from corn, they're also highly processed, so your body processes them differently than regular sugar. HFCS and corn syrup also contain more calories and carbs than sugar, and since eating them can lead to type 2 diabetes and obesity, it's best to enjoy these in moderation.
Fittingly Mad: "Natural" Foods That Really Aren't
Starting this month, Pepsi is rolling out a new drink called Pepsi Natural that's made with sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup. The soda company is touting the drink's "all-natural ingredients," including natural caramel and kola nut extract; the glass bottles will even be stocked in natural foods aisles.
Despite the ads from the Corn Refiners Association trying to position HFCS as a "sweet surprise," the New York Times reports that more and more brands are using real sugar as a selling point.
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