Corn++Syrup

High Fructose Corn Syrup** is a cheap replacement for sugar which extends the shelf life of many prepackaged foods. More specifically, HFCS is a sweet syrup extracted from corn produced by breaking down cornstarch. One can break down the cornstarch by either heating it with a light acid or by combining it with certain enzymes. (4,1)
 * [[image:HFCS.JPG]]


 * Composition:** There are three different types: HFCS 42, HFCS 55, and HFCS 90. The numbers represent the percent of fructose in the high fructose corn syrup. Looking at the formulas, one can see that most of HFCS is fructose. The remaining percent is a combination of glucose and other saccharides (sugars). (5)

HFCS is considered artificial, or fake, by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. This is due to HFCS's need to be processed and the use of genetically modified enzymes to produce it. (4)
 * Naturally Available, or Artificial?**


 * Processes for Harvesting**: Corn is put throught the "wet milling process" which is used to seperate the corn starch from the kernels. Then the chemistry gets involved with all of the enzymes. (see below) (9)


 * Chemistry Involved in Preparation:** Corn starch is taken from the harvested corn and is then processed until it is nearly all glucose. Enzymes are then used to convert the glucose into fructose. The result is a product containing 90 percent fructose (or HFCS 90). Other types (HFCS 55, HFCS 42) can be produced by being mixed with glucose corn syrup in specific ratios. (5)


 * Quality Control Standards:** Currently, there is no quality control for HFCS. Many scientists believe that there is no link between the corn syrup and obesity problems because "the researchers found no differences in circulating blood sugar levels, insulin levels or the levels of leptin or ghrelin, which are hormones thought to be involved in regulating food intake." Meaning that the corn syrup does not affect our bodies any differently than other sugars. (8)

Corn Syrup flavors ketchup, peanut butter, salad dressings and processed meats. It also gives creams and candies that smooth texture. It also prevents baked goods from going stale because it attracts and holds moisture in. Many food processors use it to sweeten canned fruits, ice cream, and soft drinks. (2) Even stamps and envelopes have HFCS for a better taste. (9)
 * Common Foods That Use it:**


 * Major Producers:** China now wants to invest in HFCS because of how popular it has become and how much money it is making here in America. They can offer massive volumes of this product for soft drinks and other common foods. Other companies such as Luzhou Bio-chem and Global Bio-chem (found in Singapore) are also investing in this ingredient. Foreign countries are the one's signing up to produce the syrup because American companies do not want to be blamed obesity and other health concerns. (7)


 * Interesting Facts:**
 * 1) High fructose corn syrup is very similar to sucrose (50/50 blend of fructose and glucose). (5)
 * 2) Fructose is almost always found with glucose in food products. (5)
 * 3) HFCS is found in almost everything as a subsitute for sugar and honey. (4)
 * 4) If eaten too much, HFCS can cause diabetes, heart problems, and even a shorter life span (make sure to balance this out with a lot of fruits and vegetables!) (6)
 * 5) HFCS can cause obesity as well (6)
 * 6) The fructose has no enzymes or vitamins, so it robs us from micro-nutrients which are very important. (6)

[|ABC7 News Investigates] //(click on the video in the top right corner)//

__**Works Cited:**__
1.http://www.womentowomen.com/nutritionandweightloss/highfructosecornsyrup.asp 2.http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9026328/corn-syrup 3.http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar134460&st=corn+syrup 4.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_fructose_corn_syrup 5.http://www.menstuff.org/issues/byissue/highfructose.html#facts 6.http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Dangers-of-High-Fructose-Corn-Syrup&id=28535 7.http://www.beveragedaily.com/news-by-product/news.asp?id=72353&idCat=0&k=HFCS-Luzhou-corn-sweetener-fructose-sugar 8.http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=66847-pepsico-fructose-sugar 9.http://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Corn-Syrup.html