Both high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup are frequently used in processed foods in place of sugar. These sugar substitutes are, however, used because they are cheaper than sugar. They are present in everything from cereals and prepackaged desserts to sodas and different types of bread. High fructose corn syrup and corn syrup are also both incredibly hard for your body to digest. It can take up to four days for your body to fully digest high fructose corn syrup, as opposed to 24 hours to digest natural sugar. That said, you should know the difference between high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup. Here are some of the facts:
High Fructose Corn Syrup Facts
High fructose corn syrup is actually created by converting dextrose sugar that is present within regular corn syrup into fructose sugar. This process allows the high fructose corn syrup to taste remarkably sweeter than corn syrup. This is why you've probably heard of high fructose corn syrup being used in sodas and fast food. Corn syrup alone is not sweet enough to sweeten soda, for instance, so high fructose corn syrup is used in products that have to be extra sweet. High fructose corn syrup, when eaten regularly, can be problematic for your body. There is a possible link between high fructose corn syrup intake and obesity, though researchers are continuing to study the long-term effects. Like sugar, high fructose corn syrup can also cause an imbalance of your body's blood sugar levels, which can cause diabetes.
Corn Syrup Facts
Unlike high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup actually originates from a powder. It is made up of dextrose sugar, which is why it is not quite as sweet as high fructose corn syrup. Interestingly enough, corn syrup is added to some products like envelopes and stamps to deliver a slightly sweetened taste when you use them. That should give you a better idea of how sweet corn syrup is. Despite the fact that it's not as sweet as high fructose corn syrup, though, corn syrup is still sugar. This means that you can still develop diabetes as a result of eating too many products that contain corny syrup. Corn syrup is also linked to obesity and it is used in many everyday snacks.
High Fructose Corn Syrup or Corn Syrup?
Now that you know the facts about high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup, you're probably wondering which is better for you. The truth is that if you're eating too much of either, you're probably doing harm to your health. If you are going to eat and drink products that contain either high fructose corn syrup or corny syrup, do so in moderation to avoid the harmful side effects that may come as a result. By only using these products in moderation, you can keep yourself healthy while satisfying your sweet tooth from time to time.