Are Corn Syrup And High Fructose The Same Thing
There has been a lot of confusion in recent years about the difference between corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup. With so much conflicting information out there, it’s hard to know what to believe. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two sweeteners to help you understand the differences between them.
What is Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup is a sweetener that is made from corn starch. It is a thick, clear liquid that is widely used in the food industry to sweeten soft drinks, candies, and baked goods. Corn syrup is less sweet than table sugar and is often used to enhance the flavor of other sweeteners. It is also used as a thickening agent in foods such as pies and custards.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that is made from corn syrup. It is created by adding enzymes to corn syrup that convert some of its glucose into fructose. The resulting mixture is a sweeter and less expensive alternative to table sugar. High fructose corn syrup is widely used in the food industry to sweeten soft drinks, baked goods, and processed foods.
What’s the Difference Between Corn Syrup and High Fructose Corn Syrup?
The main difference between corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup is the amount of fructose they contain. Corn syrup is made up of glucose, while high fructose corn syrup contains both glucose and fructose. The fructose content in high fructose corn syrup ranges from 42% to 55%, depending on the grade. The higher the fructose content, the sweeter the syrup.
Another key difference is how the body processes these two sweeteners. Glucose is metabolized by every cell in the body, while fructose is metabolized primarily by the liver. This means that high fructose corn syrup is metabolized differently than other sugars, such as sucrose, which can have negative effects on health if consumed in excess.
Is High Fructose Corn Syrup Worse for You Than Corn Syrup?
While high fructose corn syrup has received a lot of negative publicity in recent years, it is not necessarily worse for you than corn syrup. Both sweeteners contain calories and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. However, high fructose corn syrup may have a more negative impact on health if consumed in large quantities.
Research has linked high intake of high fructose corn syrup with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. However, it’s important to note that these findings are based on studies that use very high levels of high fructose corn syrup, much higher than the levels typically consumed in a normal diet.
The Bottom Line
So, are corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup the same thing? The answer is no. Corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch, while high fructose corn syrup is created by adding enzymes to corn syrup that convert some of its glucose into fructose. While both sweeteners can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess, high fructose corn syrup may have a more negative impact on health if consumed in large quantities. As with all sweeteners, moderation is key.