Alternate Names For High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener that has become very popular in the food industry over the past few decades. It is found in many processed foods, and has been linked to a range of health problems including weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the use of HFCS in our food supply, and many consumers are looking for alternatives. In this article, we will explore some of the alternate names for high fructose corn syrup, and what you need to know about them.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that is made from corn starch. It is similar in composition to table sugar (sucrose), but is cheaper to produce and easier to store. HFCS is used in many processed foods including soft drinks, baked goods, and candy. It is also added to many condiments and sauces, such as ketchup and barbecue sauce. HFCS is widely used in the food industry because it is a cheap and effective way to sweeten products.
Why is High Fructose Corn Syrup Controversial?
There has been growing concern about the use of high fructose corn syrup in our food supply. Some experts believe that HFCS is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic in the United States. HFCS has been linked to increased appetite, weight gain, and a range of other health problems including diabetes and heart disease. In addition, some studies suggest that HFCS may be more harmful than other types of sweeteners because it is metabolized differently by the body.
What are the Alternate Names for High Fructose Corn Syrup?
One reason why high fructose corn syrup has become so controversial is that it is often hidden in food products under a variety of different names. This can make it difficult for consumers to know whether a product contains HFCS or not. Here are some of the alternate names for high fructose corn syrup:
- Glucose-fructose syrup
- Fructose-glucose syrup
- Tapioca syrup
- Maize syrup
- Glucose syrup
- Dried glucose syrup
- Isoglucose
- High-fructose maize syrup
Some of these names may sound less familiar than high fructose corn syrup, but they are all essentially the same thing. They are all sweeteners that are made from corn starch, and they all contain high levels of fructose.
Are there Safer Alternatives to High Fructose Corn Syrup?
Many consumers are looking for safer alternatives to high fructose corn syrup. There are several natural sweeteners that can be used in place of HFCS, including:
- Honey
- Agave nectar
- Maple syrup
- Stevia
These natural sweeteners are generally considered to be safer than high fructose corn syrup because they are not as heavily processed, and they do not contain as much fructose.
Conclusion
The use of high fructose corn syrup in our food supply has become very controversial in recent years. While there is no doubt that HFCS is a cheap and effective way to sweeten products, it has also been linked to a range of health problems including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Consumers who are concerned about the health effects of high fructose corn syrup should be aware of the alternate names for this sweetener, and should consider using natural sweeteners as an alternative.
