Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN ...

Support | Event Directors & Organizers

Search Cool Running Community

Browse Cool Running

CoolRunning.com > Cool Running Community > Carbo Canteen >

Up to Threads in Carbo Canteen

58 Replies Last post: May 23, 2007 11:27 PM by running on empty 1 2 3 4 Previous Next

Sandikal

96 posts since
Jan 22, 2007

Apr 2, 2007 12:56 PM

Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

In my quest to feed myself and my family a bit healthier, I've started reading labels more closely. I stopped dieting last year and have turned my focus from low-fat/low-cal to nutritional value. A couple of months ago, I heard that high-fructose corn syrup is especially unhealthy. It's worse than plain old table sugar. So, I've been checking labels. I'm shocked at some of the products I'm finding it in. Almost all yogurt at the supermarket, including artificially sweetened ones, have HFCS in them. Quite a few brands of 100% whole wheat bread contain HFCS. The stuff is everywhere, including in food that should be healthy.

Frankly, this concerns me a lot more than transfat does. Transfat can occur naturally in the cooking process of certain foods. Partially hydrogenated oils were developed as a way to reduce the amount of animal fats in our diets and it mis-fired. The only purpose of HFCS is to support corn farmers and to provide manufacturers with a low-cost alternative to cane and beet sugars. HFCS is not the same as the corn syrup that has been used for generations to make delicious desserts. It's a concoction that uses bacteria, enzymes and chemicals to separate the fructose from the glucose in corn starch. It's highly concentrated and much sweeter than regular sugar.

I've always been very lackadasical about food issues. I've never gone out of my way regarding nutritional causes. I don't shop at the health food store, yet. But, I'm incensed about HFCS. I did some reading online and found out that it's only been around since 1966. Some research is indicating that it is metabolized differently than sucrose and may be a contributing factor to our obesity epidemic.

How did the anti-transfat movement get going? What led to their success in getting transfats banned in NYC? I think HFCS is a much greater threat than transfat and would like to see it eliminated.

------------------
Sandi

graingirl

272 posts since
Jul 20, 2001

1. Apr 2, 2007 3:04 PM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Sandikal:
In my quest to feed myself and my family a bit healthier, I've started reading labels more closely. I stopped dieting last year and have turned my focus from low-fat/low-cal to nutritional value. A couple of months ago, I heard that high-fructose corn syrup is especially unhealthy. It's worse than plain old table sugar. So, I've been checking labels. I'm shocked at some of the products I'm finding it in. Almost all yogurt at the supermarket, including artificially sweetened ones, have HFCS in them. Quite a few brands of 100% whole wheat bread contain HFCS. The stuff is everywhere, including in food that should be healthy.

<HR>

Not only do most items contain the HFCS, they also have sugar as well. Talk about a double whammy! I've read some material that stated that it can cause a rise in triglycerides because of the insulin spike it generates. Less is more, is our philosophy. The less they ate to whole foods (or take away), the better.

JA Fleming

50 posts since
Nov 6, 2007

2. Apr 2, 2007 3:05 PM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

If you don't like HFCS or transfat, fine don't eat. But keep the gov't out of my fridge and my bedroom.

Sandikal

96 posts since
Jan 22, 2007

3. Apr 2, 2007 3:22 PM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

quote:<HR>Originally posted by flemdawg1:
If you don't like HFCS or transfat, fine don't eat. But keep the gov't out of my fridge and my bedroom. <HR>

I've always felt the same way. But, the reason the HFCS is in our food is because the federal government is subsidizing it, making it cheaper for the food manufacturers to use than cane sugar or other, less processed, sweeteners. It's a RESULT of government meddling with our food.

------------------
Sandi

JA Fleming

50 posts since
Nov 6, 2007

4. Dec 26, 2007 4:31 AM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Sandikal:

I've always felt the same way. But, the reason the HFCS is in our food is because the federal government is subsidizing it, making it cheaper for the food manufacturers to use than cane sugar or other, less processed, sweeteners. It's a RESULT of government meddling with our food.

<HR>

Fine, get rid of the subsidies too. Maybe then our local farmers will grow spinach (and the entire national supply wouldn't be thrown out due to a small bacterial outbreak) and other green veggies instead of corn and soybeans which are dependent on subsidies.

BTW, there was no gov't intervention needed to bring the whole/orgainc food movement forward. So why do we need the nutrition police now? <Arrest that man, he's eating a Hardee's Thickburger!>

http://This message has been edited by flemdawg1 (edited Apr-02-2007).

Ariann092

681 posts since
Jan 4, 2005

5. Dec 26, 2007 4:31 AM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

quote:<HR>Originally posted by flemdawg1:

BTW, there was no gov't intervention needed to bring the whole/orgainc food movement forward. So why do we need the nutrition police now? <Arrest that man, he's eating a Hardee's Thickburger!>

http://This message has been edited by flemdawg1 (edited Apr-02-2007).<HR>

Agreed, except sometimes the nutrition police save a lot of lives. Iodizing salt, for example, was an incredible step forward for American health since most of us don't live on coasts and have iodine-poor soil. I have no problem with the fortification because we can buy salt without iodine added.

However, it remains a problem if you don't have any CHOICE in the matter. If I buy milk, I want the option of milk without Vitamins D and A added. I should have the ability to buy cow's milk without vitamins added, but I don't. And unfortunately subsidies to support failing farm crops lead to really awful results for our health.

I have no problem buying breads and other pre-packaged foods without HFCS and trans-fat. In fact, I find it very easy and barely have to read labels. You've just gotta shop at places that take a stand against these additives, so encourage your local supermarkets to do so!

periwrinkle

4 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

6. Apr 2, 2007 4:38 PM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

We've started reading labels more carefully as well. As a result we are eating much healthier food. I also try to avoid cottonseed oil. Its so funny to watch my husband read labels. He'll keep tossing stuff back on the shelf and wehn he finally finds something its like he struck gold.

For bread we buy Granny's delight? Sprouted wheat bread from Costco. I've also seen it in the regular grocery store for a bit more.

teetime

459 posts since
Aug 17, 2002

7. Apr 2, 2007 4:48 PM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

Fage Greek yogurt is great. Nothing added. Sweeten yourself with whatever makes you happy (honey, maple syrup, crushed berries)

And if you can, find a good local bakery where baguettes are baked daily. Taste is so much better than bagged and sliced anyway.

cgerber

195 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

8. Apr 2, 2007 4:51 PM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

This thread reminds me very much of a book I just read called "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan. It was an excellent read. It covers the history of 4 different meals from 4 sources: standard industrial agriculture, industrial organic, small sustainable farming, and hunting/gathering. His example for industrial agriculture is the corn industry... it was very fascinating reading. I'd definately recommend checking it out.

DavidD063

361 posts since
Jan 25, 2007

9. Apr 3, 2007 4:49 PM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Sandikal:
How did the anti-transfat movement get going? What led to their success in getting transfats banned in NYC? I think HFCS is a much greater threat than transfat and would like to see it eliminated.
<HR>

Research. Unfortunately, we've known about the dangers of trans fat since the 50's and it's take this long to get acceptance. It was banned because the city thought they would save money on health care costs in the long term.

HFCS is only the tip of a very large iceberg. There are lots of hidden sugars out there, so keep reading labels (I'm told that Wild Oats put dextrose in their frozen burgers.). And, the highly processed carbs (wheat, corn, etc.) are just as bad. Cereals, breads, snack items and the things made for babies -- incredible that the cries of "foul" are yet to be heard.

dragonsrouges

1,068 posts since
Aug 16, 2007

10. Apr 3, 2007 5:50 PM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

Why not buy non-fat plain yogourt?

There are many ways to eat healthily and un-processed:

-non-fat plain yogourt with fresh fruit/frozen berries and a serving size (1/3 to 1/2 cup) bran buds (fibre!)

-whole grain bread (organic) with natural peanut butter (no sugar, no salt, just peanuts)

-spinach omelets (regular eggs, nevermind the cartons of whites. Just don't eat a dozen of them! Anyway you should vary your protein sources)

-chop up a whole bunch of veggies and make your own salad dressing: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, (etc etc add your own natural ingredient)

-make your own meat marinades with olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, natural peanut butter (I tried that!), garlic etc...

-brocoli, corn, peas, carrots etc etc

-chick peas, lentils, lima beans (Never the pre-cooked canned stuff!)

-stay away from canned goods or any processed or frozen-prepared food (except frozen peas, corn etc)

If you're used to eating highly processed or prepared foods, it will take some adaptation. But in the long run it's MUCH healthier and you'll feel a lot better.

Tim Carmichael

148 posts since
Oct 5, 2007

11. Apr 3, 2007 10:50 PM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

Why should the government care about HFCS? I'm sure ADM and Cargill lobbyists are taking care of any meddling Congressmen.

The healthcare industry is making money hand over fist from treating obesity and diabetes. They are happy.

Maybe if the health insurance companies were getting hammered they'd complain. But they'll be taken care of when we get National Health sCare.

I'm not a "black helicopter" kind of guy but there are too many bad things happening with no obvious reason. TC

juki090

45 posts since
Nov 6, 2005

12. Apr 4, 2007 7:12 AM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

For a complete history of the US government's (and population's) embrace of HFCS: "Fat Land" by Greg Criser
http://tinyurl.com/24b9ec[/URL" target="_blank">

And for a more encyclopedia reference on the US food industry as a whole, try: "What To Eat" by Marion Nestle
http://tinyurl.com/2h9xz6[/URL" target="_blank">

------------------
Gratuitous Blog Link[/URL" target="_blank">

Cora5K

326 posts since
Nov 24, 2007

13. Apr 4, 2007 8:50 AM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

quote:<HR>Originally posted by flemdawg1:
If you don't like HFCS or transfat, fine don't eat. But keep the gov't out of my fridge and my bedroom. <HR>

What are you doing with high fructose corn syrup in your bedroom?

periwrinkle

4 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

14. Apr 4, 2007 9:57 AM

in response to: Sandikal

Re: Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

"Fage Greek yogurt is great"

I'll second that! I've completely given up dairy and that is the one thing I wish I could I have. It is great alone but it is wonderful when it is drizzled with a bit of honey and sprnkled with sliced almonds.

Go to original post 1 2 3 4 Previous Next

Go to original post

Apr 2, 2007 12:56 PM

Ticked Off About HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

Actions

More Like This

New Runners

Training

Competition

Age Groups

Fitness

The Lighter Side

Feedback

Related Links