High-fructose corn syrup is just one food ingredient, among many others, that virtually every health advocate will tell you to avoid. The Corn Refiners Association (CRA), a large organization that represents the corn refining industry, continues to assert that high-fructose corn syrup is completely safe and perfectly ‘natural’,  but many health experts and research results couldn’t disagree more. One contribution high-fructose corn syrup is making to our society is a startling increase in obesity rates. Scientists have repeatedly proven that heavily altered (and often genetically modified) form of fructose, used in thousands of food products and soft drinks, can negatively impact human metabolism and is contributing to the growing obesity epidemic.

High-Fructose Corn Syrup Alters Human Metabolism

For quite some time, high-fructose corn syrup was thought to be perfectly healthy by some individuals, and the ingredient rampantly consumed in high amounts internationally. But research shows that high-fructose corn syrup changes human metabolism, and is actually metabolized much differently than other sugars. HFCS is a highly processed product that contains nearly the same amount of fructose and glucose. Sucrose, however, is a larger sugar molecule that is metabolized into glucose and fructose in your intestine. High-fructose corn syrup metabolizes to fat in your body much faster than other sugars, resulting in increased fat gain. Since the fructose is consumed in liquid form, the negative effects on human metabolism are even greater.

“…Over 10 weeks, 16 volunteers on a strictly controlled diet, including high levels of fructose, produced new fat cells around their heart, liver and other digestive organs. They also showed signs of food-processing abnormalities linked to diabetes and heart disease. Another group of volunteers on the same diet, but with glucose sugar replacing fructose, did not have these problems”, reported scientists from UC Davis.

In addition, 100% of fructose that’s consumed is taken up by the liver, while only some of glucose passes through the liver, and is then excreted. This results in increased fat deposition in the abdominal cavity and increased blood levels of triglycerides — both of which are risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.

Further showing how the human metabolism is damaged, one study found:

“To assess the relative effects of these dietary sugars during sustained consumption in humans, overweight and obese subjects consumed glucose- or fructose-sweetened beverages providing 25% of energy requirements for 10 weeks. Although both groups exhibited similar weight gain during the intervention, visceral adipose volume was significantly increased only in subjects consuming fructose…and [fructose-sweetened beverages] decreases insulin sensitivity in overweight humans.”

Some individuals claim that high-fructose corn syrup is safe at low levels, but even if that were remotely true, the ingredient is still found in thousands of mainstream and corporate-owned food and beverage products in high doses. It is in these high doses that it has also been found to contain mercury, an element that is highly damaging to the human body. Sugar itself is highly over-consumed today, causing a multitude of health issues, but turning the natural form of sugar into  high-fructose corn syrup causes further damage to human metabolism and the liver.

High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener used in a wide variety of products on the market today. The prominent usage of high fructose corn syrups as a form of sugar has undoubtedly increased its demand levels across the country. Rather than pay for it, wouldn’t you like to know how to manufacture your own?

High Fructose Corn Syrup | The Healthy Sugar that Sticks

The first thing you will need is corn. As the name suggests, high fructose corn syrup is derived from corn starch. Corn, being one of the most genetically modified and subsidized crops today, is recognized as a major health benefit with an almost innumerable amount of beneficial effects on the body. You can either buy the corn grown, or grow it yourself with terminator gene seeds. Just make sure to buy more if you plan on growing more!

After attaining the corn, you will need to mill it. Then, simply separate the corn starch from the kernels. This is usually done in a process involving sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye.

Most forms of lye are made using the mercury cell process. In this process, large pools of mercury are combined with other tested and safe materials in a large chemical vat. The resultant lye is used to separate corn starch from the kernels. This means that your high fructose corn syrup will have residual amounts of mercury, a known health elixir, should you use the proper form of lye for separation.

Once the corn is milled, you need to cook and process it even more, until it becomes corn syrup. From there, ‘natural’ enzymes are used to convert the glucose in the corn syrup into fructose, which is the healthiest form of sugar.

Your finished product will be high fructose corn syrup similar to that found in all manner of products today! But rather than making it yourself, it would be much easier and cheaper to simply buy it.

Written to be a satire piece, this article attempts to educate about the significant health damage associated with high fructose corn syrup through humor.

As previously reported, while people were de-stressing and enjoying their much needed time off during the holidays, the United States Department of Agriculture announced its approval of Monsanto’s ‘drought tolerant’ genetically engineered corn. The decision to give the green light to Monsanto regarding their GE corn didn’t seem too difficult for the Obama Administration, despite receiving nearly 45,000 public comments voicing opposition and only 23 comments in favor since comments opened. Prepare to see this new GE corn unleashed into the environment as well as the American food supply.

Monsanto Continues Expansion Despite Massive Public Opposition

The news comes after experiments with the seeds were conducted in five African nations, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Monsanto’s drought-resistant corn seeds were given to African farmers facing drought conditions, replacing traditional and sustainable farming with Monsanto’s GMO crops. Bill Gates himself has purchased 500,000 Monsanto stocks as of August 2010, and has heavy ties with Monsanto and even genetically modified mosquitoes which could be released in Florida early next year.

“President Obama and Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack just sent a clear message to the American public that they do not care about our concerns with genetically engineered food and their questionable safety, adverse environmental impacts, and detrimental effects on farmers, especially organic farmers,” says Mark A. Kastel, Senior Farm Policy Analyst with The Cornucopia Institute.

How could Monsanto successfully obtain more power and release new genetically modified seeds when opposition so clearly rises above GE support? Monsanto is not simply a company who sells genetically modified products to those seeking them. This massive corporation is actually very much involved with the passing and proposals of regulations concerning the very GM ingredients they are responsible for. You may think those helping to pass the GMO bills truly believe that genetically engineering the food supply is beneficial to public health, but the scary truth is that many of said individuals couldn’t care less about humankind or the future of the planet. As far as many government regulators are concerned, Monsanto can expand to the high heavens as long as financial interests are being properly taken care of.

With rates of obesity, diabetes, and nearly every other major health problem rising each year, why has the United States decided to heavily subsidize junk food? Farmers around the country choosing to grow healthy crops like chard, broccoli, and spinach simply do not have the government funding that those growing massive amounts of corn and soy beans (of which above 90% of each are genetically modified) do. Does the U.S. government really think that fruits and vegetables are not as important as grains which are used mostly for processing harmful food items? It may be time for a policy change.

Unhealthy Food Subsidization is Ruining Our Health

Between 1995 and 2010 over $260 billion was spent by American taxpayers in agricultural subsidies. Most of that money is put into commodity crops such as corn and soybeans, but the money is far less than well spent. While corn alone took in a whopping $77.1 billion from the government between 1995 and 2010, taxpayers spent $262 million subsidizing apples during the same time period. It just so happens that apples are really the only significant federal subsidy of fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, if these agricultural subsidies went directly to consumers for the purchase of food, America’s 144 million taxpayers would each be given $7.36 to spend on junk food and only 11 cents to buy apples each year. This equates to about 19 Twinkies but less than a quarter of one healthy apple.

The U.S. government continues to be a major player in the national food business, with subsidies continuing to grow. The worst part is that the crops being subsidized are almost always genetically modified and pose a health risk to the environment and humankind.

Corn may be the crop utilized most poorly in the country. The corn being produced is actually specifically created for purposes of adding certain ingredients (many of which are toxic) into the food supply. One such ingredient is high fructose corn syrup, which has been found to contain mercury and cause cancer, and resides in many products such as ketchup, cereals, and beverages. Shockingly, it has nearly replaced sugar in all sodas and soft drinks.

Then there is corn starch, corn gluten meal, hydrolyzed corn protein, and corn syrup which can all be found in snacks like cookies. Lastly, corn is used to feed conventionally-fed animals to prompt weight gain and hasten their slaughter weight. Unfortunately, these animals’ digestive systems are not meant to digest corn, causing the animals to be fed antibiotics.

In addition to corn lies soybeans, another crop heavily subsidized by the U.S. government. Today, the U.S. produces at least 75% of all soybeans grown worldwide, with an increase of about 10 million acres produced between 2007 and 2011. Total subsidies for soybeans between 1995 and 2010 totaled $24.3 billion, making it 3rd on the list of top products subsidized. Unfortunately this heavily subsidized crop is no less genetically modified than corn, with nearly 93% of US soybeans being genetically modified in order to resist powerful weed-killers.

These genetically modified crops pushed by the government are said to reduce pesticide usage and be completely safe according to U.S. government agencies. But more than enough evidence has shown these touted benefits to be false claims, and the heavily subsidized, genetically modified junk food pushed on the population has only been shown to be a threat to your health.

The United States federal government paid American farmers $12.3 billion in 2009 to boost crop production. While this number may seem high, it is actually nearly the lowest amount paid to farmers in the past 10 years. The reason farmers are paid to grow certain crops is to ensure that they grow more for the country while at the same time making the same amount of money. What some people aren’t completely aware of is the huge impact that the subsidies have on what ends up on our plate – in plain sight or otherwise. Corn alone took in a whopping $77.1 billion from the government between 1995 and 2010. The U.S. government continues to be a major player in the national food business, with subsidies continuing to grow. Here are the top 9 food products that the government most heavily subsidizes:

Corn

Corn easily rests at the top of the list of government sponsored foods. Between 1995 and 2010, $77.1 billion was given to farmers so that they could grow massive amounts of corn. But oddly enough, most of the corn grown isn’t corn on the cob. The corn produced is actually specifically created for purposes of adding certain ingredients in the food. One such ingredient is high fructose corn syrup, which has been found to contain mercury and cause cancer, resides in many products such as ketchup, cereals, and beverages. It has nearly replaced sugar in all sodas and soft drinks. Then there is corn starch, corn gluten meal, hydrolyzed corn protein, and corn syrup which can all be found in snacks like cookies. Lastly, corn is used to feed conventionally-fed animals to prompt weight gain and hasten their slaughter weight. Unfortunately, these animals’ digestive systems are not meant to digest corn, causing the animals to be fed antibiotics.

What’s frightening is that most of the corn that is produced isn’t even edible! The commodity, corn, is produced with government backing for one primary reason – to be processed. The corn is simply a raw material meant to be transformed into the harmful ingredients we’ve come to consume so often today.

The argument for so much subsidization is to help the US compete internationally, but most of the corn being processed is used domestically. What the government is really subsidizing, is obesity and tons of other health complications within the nation. The truth is that many of the products we buy possesses some type of processed corn. Corn is even consumed when eating meat, as the animals are force-fed genetically modified corn. All of the subsidizing set in place by the system is ultimately contributing to the downfall of our food quality as we know it. It does of course, make costs for businesses cheaper.

Wheat

The total subsidies for wheat between 1995 and 2010 was $32.4 billion – the second most subsidized crop. Both wheat demand and prices have skyrocketed in recent years. While wheat always used to be plentiful, wheat stockpiles have fallen to a new low in 2008 which haven’t been seen since 1948. Even with farmers experiencing a wheat shortage due to high demand, subsidies continue. It seems to be much easier to add subsidies than to remove them due to congress decision making processes.

Soybeans

Soybeans, like corn, are also almost always genetically modified. It wasn’t until  the last couple decades that the U.S. had such a large role in soy production. Today, the U.S. produces at least 75% of all soybeans grown worldwide, with an increase of about 10 million acres produced between 2007 and 2011. Total subsidies for soybeans between 1995 and 2010 totaled $24.3 billion, making it 3rd on the list of top products subsidized.

Other foods the United States government is paying you to eat.

• Rice

• Beer

• Milk

• Beef

• Peanut Butter

• Sunflower Oil

You may think that Pringles are just like other potato chips, or that they are potato chips at all.  The truth of the matter is that Pringles do not come from potatoes in any recognizable way. In fact, the Pringles company once stated that potato content of their chips was so low that they are technically not even potato chips. The statement was made in order to avoid taxes typically placed upon traditional potato chip makers, though it revealed a bit of truth behind how Pringles are made.

The Truth Behind How Pringles are Made

While traditional potato chip manufacturers shave off slices of potato and deep fry them, Pringles are much different. The creation process begins with a slurry of wheat, rice, corn, and potato flakes that are pressed into form. The resulting dough is then laid out like a sheet of ultra-thin cookie dough and mechanically cut into shape. The chips then move forward on a conveyor belt until they are ultimately pressed into molds, giving it the famous Pringles shape.

After moving through burning oil and frying for a few seconds, the chips are blown dry, sprayed with powdered flavors, and flipped onto a slower conveyor belt that allows for them to stack. The Pringles are then distributed to a store near you, sitting among other mystery food items to be consumed by unknowing customers. Sometimes it is important to look at the process in which food is made in addition to the ingredients. Through heavily processing any type of food, you are essentially destroying the nutritional content and making it virtually worthless to the body. Pringles, and other snack brands are not only questionably made, but are heavily processed and depleted of vital nutrients that you need to thrive.

Instead of chowing down on potato-free Pringles, purchase some superfood snacks for a delicious treat that only contains 1-2 ingredients at most, none of which are processed in mega factories with artificial flavoring!

A new study published in the International Journal of Biological Sciences ends the debate regarding the health effects of genetically modified food (GMO). With their findings almost as shocking as the fact that genetically modified food was ever allowed on the shelf, the study is gaining some intense coverage even in the mainstream media, specifically regarding gm corn varieties.

Study Proves Three Monsanto GM Corn Varieties Pose Health Hazard

“There is a world-wide debate concerning the safety and regulatory approval process of genetically modified (GM) crops and foods. In order to scientifically address this issue, it is necessary to have access to toxicological tests, preferably on mammals, performed over the longest time-scales involving detailed blood and organ system analyses. Furthermore, these tests should, if possible, be in accordance with OECD guidelines.” states the introduction.

GM foods been shown time and time again to not only cause bodily and environment harm, but also be ineffective at saving the world from mass starvation.  The primarily known supplier and creator of GM seeds, foods, and crops is a biotechnology company known as Monsanto. For decades, Monsanto has been creating genetically modified seeds which are forced on many farmers. Some of the crops, such as GM corn, grown from the GM seeds are created to kill insects to make for easier farming, but the result has been the creation of resistant superweeds and superbugs, and subsequently increased pesticide use – leading to further human and environmental harm.

“For the first time in the world, we’ve proven that GMO are neither sufficiently healthy nor proper to be commercialized. [...] Each time, for all three GMOs, the kidneys and liver, which are the main organs that react to a chemical food poisoning, had problems,” indicated Gilles-Eric Séralini, an expert member of the Commission for Biotechnology Reevaluation, created by the EU in 2008.

The study also found that GM corn fed to mice led to an increase in overall body weight of about 3.7 percent, while also increasing the weight of the liver by up to 11 percent. We know genetically modified food like GM corn is known to cause short term damage to nature and your biology, but the concern may primarily revolves around the unknown long-term consequences. We currently have information and research regarding the detrimental effects of GMO foods in the short term, but they continue to be used while long-term effects are still a mystery even to GMO supporters.