THE PROBLEM WITH HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP!

Here's the problem.... It's literally killing us! High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is in almost every type of processed food imaginable. If you don't believe me, try this: Simply visit any grocery store in America and pick up bottles, canned goods and boxed goods at random and read the ingredients labels. You will be amazed. HFCS is seemingly in everything that is mass produced, packaged and shipped. You'll find it in your syrup, jam, jelly, salad dressing, ketchup, soup, BBQ sauce, breakfast cereal, bread, crackers, so-called "nutrition" bars, cakes, cookies, snacks, sodas and energy drinks. It's everywhere! There's no need to worry about a giant asteroid colliding with our planet, a tsunami, an earthquake or nuclear war causing the annihilation of mankind. HFCS is doing a fine job making our species extinct on it's own. The crazy thing is that we're doing it to ourselves. It's time to wake up! Check out the graph below:





























HFCS has been used by the food industry since the 1970's. Food manufacturers discovered that HFCS is sweeter than common table sugar, less expensive to produce and will act as a preservative. The problem lies in the fact that the body cannot metabolize the excessive amount of fructose that is found in HFCS as compared to common sugar. This is a major concern. Here are some of the potential problems that can arise from excessive fructose in our diet:

• Obesity
• Elevated triglyceride levels
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Gout
• Type II diabetes 
• Metabolic syndrome.

So, what can you do about it?

• The easiest thing to do is stop consuming sodas and all sweetened drinks with HFCS.
• Make a practice of reading product labels carefully. Avoid any item with HFCS. It is possible to find processed items that are 'clean' with minimal preservatives and no HFCS.
• Do your best to cut back on items containing any type of sugar. Your body will thank you.
• Monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar and lipid levels. Maintain a healthy BMI.
• Write a letter to congress and  to food manufacturers. Vote with your wallet! Demand more healthful products. 

It's time to start taking care of you. Educate yourself on healthy eating and start moving and exercising today! You are absolutely worth it!

Brett Thornton

www.FullFunctionalFitness.com