Chances are you’ve heard of high-fructose corn syrup. Also called corn sugar, high fructose corn syrup is the most widely added sweetener in processed foods and beverages, including cakes, candies, cereals, condiments, packaged foods like potato chips, and more.
High-fructose corn syrup is made from corn kernels which are spun at high velocity and combined with enzymes to form a thick-like syrup. It’s used to extend the shelf life of foods, and it’s cheaper than sugar. Studies have shown that high-fructose corn syrup may cause cholesterol to rise and may lead to abnormal increases in body fat. Another concern of high-fructose corn syrup is that it is bad for the environment because corn crops grown for high-fructose corn syrup require large amounts of pesticides.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting the amount of added sugars you consume to no more than half of your daily discretionary calories allowance. For most American women, that’s no more than 100 calories per day, or about 6 teaspoons of sugar. For men, it’s 150 calories per day, or about 9 teaspoons of sugar.
If you’re looking to cut back on high-fructose corn syrup take these tips into consideration: avoid sugary beverages, eat fewer processed and packaged foods, and snack on vegetables, fruits, low-fat cheese, whole-grain crackers, and low-fat, low-calorie yogurt instead of candies, cookies and pastries.