But with all the information out there, people aren't backing away from this ingredient. Approximately one-third of adults admit to having at least one sugary drink each day. These drinks are a primary source of high-fructose corn syrup in the average diet.
Why do people keep coming back to foods high in fructose? Keep reading to learn how addictive this ingredient is. You might even learn some instances where you are unknowingly consuming extra high fructose corn syrup.
High fructose corn syrup is a cheap sweetener derived from cornstarch.
Enzymes are added to corn syrup to change the glucose into another simple sugar. This simple sugar is called fructose. The enzymes have been genetically modified to improve their heat stability. This makes the production of high fructose corn syrup easier.
This sweetener is often compared to table sugar. High fructose corn syrup is found in various foods and beverages you see in the supermarket today, such as:
But even some foods that you'd believe to be healthy might contain high fructose corn syrup. For example, fruits canned in heavy syrup, like peaches or pineapple, often contain the ingredient.
Some people may think they're making a healthy choice are surprised to find high fructose corn syrup in the ingredient list.
If this ingredient is in so many foods, you might be thinking, "It can't be bad for me!" But so many studies show that foods high in fructose corn syrup are dangerous for our health. Here are a few disturbing facts about high fructose corn syrup:
Other harmful side effects include an increased risk of obesity and increased cholesterol levels. It does the same thing to your body as regular table sugar.
Even with these devastating side effects, people continue to consume more foods high in fructose corn syrup. Why?
Americans consume an average of 50 grams of high fructose corn syrup every day. Why is this ingredient so popular? Here are a few reasons people continue to consume foods high in fructose corn syrup.
High fructose corn syrup is derived from cheap industrial corn, an abundant crop in America. You can find this ingredient in every aisle of the grocery store.
Every item of a fast food meal is also likely to contain HFCS. From your soda and the corn-fed beef in a double-cheeseburger to the sugary condiments and the bun - high fructose corn syrup is everywhere.
High fructose corn syrup is actually cheaper than granulated sugar in America. The government pays subsidies to farmers for corn.
Many products made with this ingredient are going to be more affordable than foods made with whole, natural ingredients. Fast food is also a cheap option.
High fructose corn syrup extends the life of processed foods. A long shelf life is typically appealing to consumers. Yet, the healthier, fresh foods are the ones that go bad quickly.
Foods high in fructose corn syrup are often more convenient than lugging around fresh food. Think about it. You can take a granola bar anywhere without a mess. Soda is readily available, and fast-food restaurants are everywhere.
With these processed foods being so affordable and boasting a long shelf life, people love the convenience of them.
Studies show that foods that are high in fructose corn syrup can cause reactions similar to those to cocaine.
In a study measuring rats' reaction to high levels of high fructose corn syrup, it was found that there's an addictive quality to the ingredient.
More research from Princeton University found that rats fed on a sugary diet became nervous and anxious when the sugar was removed.
The rats were thrown into a state of anxiety. It was similar to the level of stress that people experience when going through withdrawal from drugs like nicotine and morphine.
The sweet taste of foods that are high in fructose corn syrup adds to the addictive quality. Like cigarettes or alcohol, eating sugar gives you an immediate high. This momentary bliss can take over your brain.
Fructose is a weaker suppressor of brain areas that help control appetite and the motivation to eat. This means that people still feel hungry after consuming foods with a high fructose content. Therefore, they may continue to eat more of the food to fill up.
More research shows that when compared with glucose consumption, consuming fructose produces a smaller release of insulin.
Insulin is the hormone that gives us a sense of being full. Glucose better curbs hunger by slowing down activity in the area of the brain associated with being full.
Limiting consumption of high fructose corn syrup can be difficult when these foods are easily available, affordable, and literally addictive.
Be sure to read the ingredient list on any food product before you buy it.
Consider healthier alternatives for your everyday foods. Many companies will have products without high fructose corn syrup and less sugar. Making your own foods will help you reduce sugar consumption as well.
Condiments are among the most common foods that contain high fructose corn syrup. Let's face it, we put condiments on everything! With all of the dangers of high fructose corn syrup, it's time to replace those items with condiments you can trust.
Try our Organic Ketchup for a healthier alternative! Take small steps toward better health by replacing those toxic items in your pantry one by one.
We also have a new variety that has no added sugar, it is sweetened naturally and is absolutely delicous! Give it a try.
]]>We're all trying to get healthier. In recent years, there has been much discussion about high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), GMOs, and other long-winded names for bad ingredients. There are certain foods that you expect to be bad for you such as candy, cakes, prepackaged foods, and soda. But there are also some evils lurking within some of the most common foods. High fructose corn syrup is in a lot of food you eat, especially condiments. If you're trying to get healthier, you want to start replacing these condiments with healthier versions. Read on to learn why condiments without HFCS are healthier for you.
You may be thinking, "It's made out of corn, how can it be bad for me?" Although this ingredient is created by processing corn, it's not exactly as healthy as it may sound. It is created by corn starch, which is essentially a sweetener. Unlike other alternative sweeteners, HFCS does the same thing to your body as regular table sugar. Both sugar and high fructose corn syrup have been linked to tons of serious health problems. Some side effects that can be caused by consumption of high fructose corn syrup include:
Fructose is processed through your liver. Consuming small amounts of fructose naturally from fruits isn't too bad. But your liver can't handle an overabundance of fructose, so it then converts it into fat.
If you're eating too much fructose, you will become insulin resistant. Your body will not be able to respond to insulin correctly, leading to type 2 diabetes.
Extreme levels of fructose can promote inflammation. This inflammation is often linked to heart disease.
Fructose also promotes tumor growth. This can cause cancer and make it easier for cancerous cells to live in your system. Even worse? HFCS doesn't possess any nutrients that are necessary to your health and development. It's simply a cheap sweetener that proves of no service to your nutrition.
There are plenty of foods that you should watch out for when it comes to high fructose corn syrup. However, most of these foods are condiments. We'll take you through the several condiments that you should avoid.
When eating a salad, you shouldn't have to worry about being unhealthy. But if you're slathering on salad dressing over your lettuce and veggies, you're actually adding more sugar and calories to your meal. Many store-bought salad dressings are packed with HFCS. And don't be fooled by the dressings that state they are "fat-free" or low calorie. These can potentially be even worse for you. Almost all the fat-free or low-calorie salad dressings replace the tasty fattening ingredients with sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Because of this, you're adding additional calories and toxic ingredients that you may not have been aware of.
A great alternative? Try making your own salad dressing with all natural ingredients. Olive oil and lemon juice make for a tasty, simple dressing that won't cost you your health.
It's just made of tomatoes and a little salt, right? You're definitely wrong. If you're not purchasing organic ketchup, you're most likely getting a high dose of high fructose corn syrup in each serving. Before you purchase ketchup, make sure that you check the ingredients list first. Chances are, you'll see HFCS as the first on the list of ingredients. You may also see high amounts of sugar, as well. If you're looking for an alternative, there are plenty to look out for on your next shopping trip. Look for organic ketchup that has only tomatoes and a few other natural ingredients.
Yes, a common staple in most American households is on this list. In fact, you'd be surprised of all the common foods that contain HFCS. Barbecue sauce not only has tons of sugar, it's almost always made with high fructose corn syrup.
Like ketchup, there are ways of avoiding these types of condiments. Opt to make your own from natural ingredients, or search for an organic version. Many health food stores will have an alternative option that won't force you to consume HFCS.
Watch out before you start making your peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Lots of jams and jellies fool you by stating they're made from 100% fruits. In most cases, this isn't the truth. In order to keep these spreads sweet and tasty, they either have sugar or HFCS added into them. And usually, they are one of the first ingredients on the list. Instead, ditch the jams or jellies and eat a piece of whole fruit. Can't beat the PB&J craving? We don't blame you. You can find tons of organic options at your local natural food store.
The next time you get a hot dog at the ballpark, tell them to hold the relish. This condiment is one that is severely doused in high fructose corn syrup. While you may think it's all pickles and seasonings, it's more harmful than it looks. Thankfully, making your own relish isn't a large task. There are tons of natural options online that you can try. And like everything else, you can always find an organic option at your local store.
It seems as though all of our favorite foods aren't the healthiest. From snack foods to condiments, they're all filled with preservatives and ingredients we can't even pronounce or spell. Unfortunately, your favorite condiments aren't exempt from the list of foods that aren't healthy. While you may not think about it when you're at your summer barbecue, you're actually consuming toxic additives that can harm you if consumed in excess. Thankfully, you have other options available to you. Choosing healthy options shouldn't be difficult, and making your own healthy versions is worth avoiding the health risks.
Are you looking for other, healthier condiment options? Take a look at our Organic Ketchup with High Fructose Corn Syrup and start eating healthier by making a small change in your eating habits today!
]]>It is found in a wide variety of food products, but this doesn't mean it is good for our health. As much as we would like to, we can't always trust companies to do the right thing. You could be making yourself ill without even realizing it.
When we think about corn, it does sound healthy. However, high fructose corn syrup isn't the same as eating a corn on the cob from your own backyard veggie patch. It is a controversial ingredient which is used as a liquid sugar substitute. It is digested by the body the same way as sugar. It can be confusing. Fructose can be found in natural products. This includes things like fresh fruit and honey. We don't want you to avoid these types of foods. The keyword is "natural". The problem is the high levels of fructose being consumed, as it is often too much for the body to handle. The way it has been processed turns it into a more chemical ingredient.
There is a large range of health issues which can occur from eating too much of the sweet stuff. These diseases are mostly preventable so as consumers we need to be more aware of what we are putting into our bodies. Here are just a few of the more serious potential side effects:
We have established high fructose corn syrup is similar to traditional sugar. Did you know it can lead to type 2 diabetes? This is a medical condition which can change the rest of your life. You will have to be conscious of monitoring and treating any side effects. Type 2 diabetes can be caused by your body becoming resistant to insulin due to having an overload of glucose in the bloodstream. While type 2 diabetes can be treated, it won't ever be cured completely. Kidney damage, heart attack, blurred vision, and tiredness are just a few potential symptoms of this disease.
Cardiovascular disease can be caused by having too much corn syrup and sugar in the diet. Your organs can't keep up and it places significant stress on your bodily functions. Studies have shown that for those who consume 17-25 percent of their daily calories from sugar, their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease increased. This increase was by a massive 38%. Simply cutting down this ingredient in your diet to a safer level could increase your life expectancy.
Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic in both adults and children. It is easily preventable by changing lifestyle and diet. Sweets are addictive and we often become reliant on them to regulate your mood or satisfy cravings. The problem is, this ingredient isn't just limited to desserts. You may think you are eating healthy by choosing savory foods - but it is often hidden inside these too. The only way to reverse this is by making changes to your diet and exercise patterns.
The brain can also be affected by an excess of sugar. It can hinder your memory which could be detrimental over a long period of time. When your body creates an insulin resistance it can even increase the risk of things like Alzheimer's. A rise in blood sugar can cause inflammation in the body. Your body needs fresh, organic ingredients in order to keep your mind and body functioning as they should.
Almost 2/3 Americans suffer from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease making it a huge burden on the health care system. Your liver is in charge of processing various foods and drinks, and when it can't keep up it can go into meltdown. Over time, this can lead to liver failure. In addition to the pressure on your liver, when it is overwhelmed it will turn anything it can't break down - into fat!
One of the main reasons high fructose corn syrup has become such a common ingredients is the price! In America, it is actually much cheaper than white sugar. The government plays a role in this as they offer financial subsidies for farmers. Unfortunately, a large portion of the corn is genetically modified and sprayed with harsh chemicals. In addition to the low price, high fructose corn syrup helps to extend the life of food items. It is commonly added to processed foods for this very reason.
You get what you pay for!
We know it is bad for us, but how can we avoid something which is everywhere? It isn't easy but you can start by checking the labels. Educate yourself on what you are picking up from the supermarket shelves. Make a conscious effort to choose products which do not include this on the ingredients list. Shop at local markets or seek our brands which offer something better for you. Please note, it may fall under a different name. Alternative names usually end in "syrup" or "fructose". These include Maize, Glucose, Fruit, Dahlia, Tapioca and Crystalline. Where possible, try to choose fresh ingredients. Look for organic alternatives and those without any nasty additions. Sometimes you may pay a little extra, but the health benefits will be worth the investment in your diet.
Cavemen didn't have the health problems we have today, so try to go back to basics.
Did you know many different types of ketchup contain high fructose corn syrup? This is something we all use on a regular basis. You could, in fact, end up unwittingly adding sugar to your burger!
Never fear, we make a range of organic sauces which are better for you. They don't contain any high fructose corn syrup, only organic ingredients. Plus, with our secret family recipes, they taste delicious. Check out one of our most popular items, the Original Recipe Organic Ketchup.
]]>According to the website Health, “The paleo diet (also nicknamed the caveman diet, primal diet, Stone Age diet, and hunter-gatherer diet) is hugely popular these days, and goes by one simple question: What would a caveman eat?” In other words, the paleo diet focuses on what you would eat if your modern lifestyle and abundance of food choice simply disappeared and all you had left was to hunt and gather like our caveman ancestors. All you had to rely on was your ability to find your own food in the foliage, lakes, and animals that you lived with. And we are not discussing dinosaurs because they would make you their paleo diet.
Cavemen lived in the Paleolithic era, which is where the name for the Paleo Diet came from. According to Britannica, the encyclopedia, this era was around 2.6 million years ago. In this era, tool making was in its infancy, which would have meant rocks sharpened to make knives. This would affect how cavemen would hunt and gather and what they would eat. According to Slate, “They definitely ate fruit. Last year, paleoanthropologists found bits of date stuck in the teeth of a 40,000-year-old Neanderthal. There's evidence that several of the fruits we enjoy eating today have been around for millennia in much the same form.” Caveman would not have a problem meeting the daily fruit requirements of today with apple trees, oranges, figs, and many other fruits available depending on where in the world they were. Caveman ate meat as well. According to The BBC, they would have had access to many fish and animals from foxes, squirrels, and wolves in Britain. And depending on where they lived, they would have access to different animals, land and sea for their food. Vegetables were a different story as they were not as edible as they are with today's modification processes. For example, Slate mentions how carrots would not have been recognizable to us today from how they looked then.
While the paleo diet is based on the idea that you eat as if you were in the stone age, no one expects you to mimic their exact methods for gathering and cooking. That means the variation of what you would be eating on a modern paleo diet is going to be slightly different. You follow the basic tenets below according to Authority Nutrition with today's paleo diet recommendations.
Eat: Meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, healthy fats and oils.
Avoid: Processed foods, sugar, soft drinks, grains, most dairy products, legumes, artificial sweeteners, vegetable oils, margarine and trans fats.
A simple guideline: If it looks like it was made in a factory, don’t eat it!
With all of this in mind, the diet may sound a bit bland to put it kindly, which is why we wanted to suggest some foods to eat on the Paleo diet to make it more palatable. Seeing the ingredients in raw form may seem hard. How do you take these items and make them into something enjoyable that you want to eat? After all, with all the options available to you, how are you going to match the taste and texture of what you can get in the supermarket frozen food and pre-made food section, or that restaurant chain or local food place you love? Below are some ideas.
Eggs are the easiest thing on the paleo diet to eat. You can make them in a variety of ways such as an omelette, over easy, in the over, or more. Frittatas are one great example. Beat some eggs and pour them into a pan with your favorite vegetables. Then bake them until they are too hard to resist.
Roasts are not only great to spread a tight budget, but they taste great. You can put some beef and vegetables into a crock pot and let it cook. You get a nice tender piece of meat falling apart and large enough to feed the family or last a few days.
This is another affordable and easy to make option that tastes great. It may seem hard at first to cook a whole chicken, but once you do it, you will not want to stop.
Chili is great to warm you up. It travels well, is versatile, you can freeze it, and you can make it in big batches. You can adjust the spice level and throw just about anything in it. This is a real treat on any day!
This is a time honored food that soothes the soul. It’s easy to make and nice and healthy, and is a great way to get vegetables in, especially if they are about to go bad.
Eating Paleo does not mean you have to starve. It does not mean you have to give up your favorite basic foods such as meats. It simply means that you have to be a little more careful about what you eat and what is in the items you buy. It is up to you how strictly you follow the paleo diet. We are not here to tell you that you are a bad person if you decide you want a cheeseburger every so often. We are simply here to tell you there is a better way to eat, and this is one option that mimics what cavemen ate. And although they did not have the advantage of modern medicine, we imagine if they did, they would have lived much longer lives. We believe this because all the foods in the paleo diet are foods that are generally good for you to eat, and it takes much of the guessing out of trying to pick from the thousands of options that try to sell you on how their food is the best, when it may not be.
At Elevation Gourmet, we take your health seriously, which is why we will soon be offering paleo friendly, no sugar added ketchup. We are excited for this product so you can enjoy some extra "umph" on your paleo meals and make them more enjoyable.
Happy hunting and gathering!
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