Other Words For High Fructose Corn Syrup
If you are trying to cut back on your sugar intake, it is important to read food labels carefully. But it can be confusing when you see ingredients like "high fructose corn syrup" listed. This sweetener is commonly used in processed foods and drinks, but many people are concerned about its health effects. In this article, we will explore some alternative names for high fructose corn syrup and what they mean.
What is High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener that is made from corn starch. It is commonly used in processed foods and drinks because it is cheaper than sugar and extends the shelf life of products. HFCS is a combination of glucose and fructose, which are simple sugars that occur naturally in fruits and vegetables. However, the amount of fructose in HFCS is much higher than in regular sugar, which has led some health experts to believe that it may contribute to obesity and other health problems.
Alternative Names for High Fructose Corn Syrup
One of the reasons that high fructose corn syrup is so difficult to avoid is that it goes by many different names. Food manufacturers often use alternative names for HFCS on their labels, which can make it hard to know if a product contains this sweetener. Here are some other names for high fructose corn syrup:
- Glucose/fructose syrup
- Fructose glucose syrup
- Isoglucose
- Tapioca syrup
- Corn sugar
- Dahlia syrup
- Glucose syrup solids
- Maize syrup
- Glucose-fructose
- Corn syrup solids
- HFCS-90
- Enzyme modified HFCS
If you see any of these ingredients listed on a label, it is likely that the product contains high fructose corn syrup. It is important to note that these alternative names are not always used to hide HFCS, but may be used for other purposes such as flavor enhancement or texture improvement.
Health Concerns with High Fructose Corn Syrup
There has been much debate over whether high fructose corn syrup is harmful to our health. Some studies have linked HFCS consumption to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. However, other research has suggested that the negative effects of HFCS are no different than those of other sugars.
One reason that high fructose corn syrup may be more problematic than other sugars is that it is often found in processed foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients. These types of foods can contribute to weight gain and other health problems when consumed in excess.
It is also important to note that high fructose corn syrup is often used in large quantities in processed foods and drinks. This means that it is easy to consume too much of it without realizing it. The American Heart Association recommends that women consume no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day, and men consume no more than 9 teaspoons. However, many Americans consume much more than this on a daily basis.
Conclusion
High fructose corn syrup is a commonly used sweetener in processed foods and drinks. It goes by many different names, which can make it difficult to avoid. While some studies have linked HFCS consumption to health problems, other research has suggested that it is no worse than other sugars. However, it is important to be mindful of how much added sugar we consume on a daily basis, regardless of its source.