Alternative Names For High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has become a common ingredient in many processed foods in the United States. This sweetener is inexpensive and helps to enhance the flavor of food products. However, HFCS has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems, leading many people to seek out alternatives. In this article, we will explore some alternative names for high fructose corn syrup that you may want to look out for when shopping for food products.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn. It is made by converting corn starch into glucose, and then processing the glucose to create a syrup that is high in fructose. HFCS is commonly used in processed foods such as soft drinks, baked goods, and condiments.
This sweetener has been the subject of controversy in recent years due to its potential health effects. Some studies have suggested that consuming high amounts of HFCS may contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
The Different Terms Used for High Fructose Corn Syrup
While high fructose corn syrup is the most commonly used name, it is not the only term that is used to describe this sweetener. When looking at food labels, you may also come across other terms that refer to HFCS. Some of these terms include:
Glucose-Fructose Syrup
Glucose-fructose syrup is a term commonly used in Europe to refer to high fructose corn syrup. This term is often used on food products that are imported from Europe or that are made by European manufacturers.
Maize Syrup
Maize syrup is another term that is sometimes used to refer to high fructose corn syrup. This term is often used on food products that are made outside of the United States.
Corn Sugar
Corn sugar is a term that was proposed by the Corn Refiners Association as an alternative name for high fructose corn syrup. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected this proposal, stating that corn sugar is already a term that is used to describe another sweetener (dextrose).
Isoglucose
Isoglucose is a term that is commonly used in Europe to refer to high fructose corn syrup. This term is often used on food products that are imported from Europe or that are made by European manufacturers.
Why Should You Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup has been linked to a number of health problems. Here are some of the reasons why you may want to avoid consuming this sweetener:
Obesity
Studies have shown that people who consume a lot of high fructose corn syrup are more likely to be obese. This may be because HFCS can increase appetite and lead to overeating.
Diabetes
Consuming high amounts of high fructose corn syrup has also been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This may be because the body processes HFCS differently than other types of sugar, which can lead to insulin resistance.
Liver Damage
HFCS is also thought to contribute to liver damage. This is because the liver has to work harder to process fructose than it does to process glucose. Over time, this can lead to liver damage and an increased risk of liver disease.
Conclusion
If you are looking to avoid high fructose corn syrup, it is important to know the different names that it can go by. By reading food labels carefully and looking out for alternative names, you can make more informed choices about the food products that you consume. Ultimately, reducing your intake of high fructose corn syrup can help to improve your overall health and wellbeing.
