Getting Fat on Corn
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Candy corn, corn chips and corn dogs may seem far removed from the familiar vegetable, but did you know that they all contain a byproduct of corn? You'll find high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in abundance in sodas and processed foods including cookies, yogurt, breads and many other products.
HFCS is manufactured from fructose, the natural sugar found in fruit and honey, and glucose, the natural sugar found in corn. The abundance of HFCS is cause for concern because it has been linked to the obesity epidemic.
Studies suggest that the fructose in HFCS is more likely to make you fat than the glucose. Theories suggest that it alters the hormones of the body to favor the production of fat. Until we know more, I suggest passing on foods that have HFCS listed as one of the first five ingredients.
Of course all forms of sugar are high in calories. But there are healthier forms of corn. Nothing beats popcorn for a healthy, filling, whole grain snack that won't make you fat. Especially if you use an air popper and go easy on the butter and salt.
Healthy regards,
Megan Porter, RD
