High fructose corn (HFCS) is a popular Sweetener and Food preservative. HFCS has been the subject of many news articles.The process of making HFCS was first developed By Richard O. Marshall and Earl R.Kooi in the late fifties.This process was refined later by Japanese researchers in the mid 1970s.This method of making HFCS involves changing the sucrose (sugar) in corn starch into fructose a product that is sweeter than cane sugar and extends the shelf life of foods.

Nutritionist are concerned with the increased consumption of HFCS. Research seems to show that HFCS is linked to diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cancer and childhood obesity. It comes as no coincidence that the American obesity and diabetes epidemic increased at the same time HFCS became popular in the Early 1980s.

It is alarming that HFCS is used in so many common items. One can find it in everything from colas, juices and process food products.It is easier to take in more calories when food is loaded with HFCS.All this extra sugar is empty calories and has been shown to damaged our liver and metabolism.

Some experts believe the problem is not HFCS but the high consumption of refine sugars. Refine sugars are bad enough but HFCS is more commonly used than refine sugars. It is a very difficult food additive to avoid. This can been proven by reading the labels of your favorite food products.

Education and more information is needed on this serious subject. A first step can be getting in the habit of reading the labels of all your food and even over the counter products, like cough syrup.Fruit juices should be free of HFCS and soft drinks should be minimize. Adding more fruits and vegetables is another healthy choice.Some healthy substitutes for HFCS and refine sugars are:

1. Honey

2. Stevia

3. Fruits as snacks

4. Natural jams and preserves.