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Corn Syrup by Any Other Name ....

by jj virgin  posted Saturday, November 6, 2010
filed under: health
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Guest blogger JJ Virgin: Americans are wising up to the health hazards of high-fructose corn syrup; consumption of it is now the lowest it's been in two decades. Looking to revamp the syrup's image, the Corn Refiners Association has petitioned the Food and Drug Administration for a change of name. Instead of calling it "high-fructose corn syrup," they hope to call it simply "corn sugar."

Corn syrup
According to the Corn Refiners Association, the shorter name would clear up confusion about the sweetener. After all, a name change successfully boosted sales of prunes (once marketed as dried plums) and canola oil (which used to be called "low eurcic acid rapeseed oil"), so they're hoping it will have a similar effect on corn syrup sales. But whatever you call it, high-fructose corn syrup (or any type of added sugar) is not a healthy addition to your family's diet. 

Fructose is metabolized differently from other sugars; it can raise triglycerides and blood pressure and even lead to insulin resistance. That's why it's a good idea to avoid corn syrup, just as you would other types of sugars. Ideally, your kids should get their sugar from eating a variety of fresh fruits per day (not fruit snacks or fruit-flavored candy). Anything with added sugar should be a special treat after they've eaten a nutritious, balanced meal. 

Don't bring candy into the house on a regular basis, don't teach kids to expect dessert after every meal and don't give them sweets as a reward for completing their homework or doing their chores. There are other rewards you can offer that don't create an emotional connection between sweets and completed tasks. Rewarding kids with sweets is one of the reasons some people turn to comfort foods and stress-eating later in life!

Would high-fructose corn syrup by any other name be any less harmful? No. A name change may boost corn syrup sales, but it could also distract some consumers from the syrup's unhealthy effects. 

Celebrity nutrition and fitness expert JJ Virgin is the author of "Six Weeks to Sleeveless and Sexy" and the costar of TLC's "Freaky Eaters" reality series. Visit her at jjvirgin.com to grab her free audio, "7 Steps to Break Your 'Freaky' Food Habits Fast & Forever."


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5 comments so far | Post a comment now
Kristen November 6, 2010, 10:15 PM

People who care about what they put in their body are going to understand very quickly that it is the same thing so of course they are not going to buy it.

pharmacy technician November 8, 2010, 7:25 PM

Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!

Team Sugar November 9, 2010, 12:38 AM

A few friends and I have put together a reference of products made without high fructose corn syrup (candy, bread, yogurt, etc). Also we have a collection of research that is not sponsored by the sugar or corn syrup industries.

If you are interested check out http://thesugardiet.com

Laveta Vansise March 30, 2011, 3:22 PM

Tremendous article,I feel you could have indeed fashioned a web site I need to read up on on a regular basis. Thanks.

used peugeot cars April 9, 2011, 11:54 PM

Great post, thanks for having the initiave to come up with it


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