High Fructose Corn Syrup

High Fructose Corn Syrup has been deemed safe in the U.S. in 1976 by the FDA (U.S. Food Drug Administration) but does that mean we should be downing this stuff on a regular basis? For me the answer is no. HFCS is basically refined and processed corn. They strip it of all it nutrients and turn it into a syrup. HFCS is a sweetener used in most of all our products in the U.S. including ketchup,lunch meats, breads and cereals. It is mostly used in drinks like soda and juices.

The effects of HFCS:

After doing a lot of reading on HFCS, I am noticing that most articles and studies are saying the same thing. In the past 30 years since this sweetener has been used by consumers in the U.S., people have become more obese. I have also read that most of these problems can be solved if you just cut HFCS from your diet. I'm not saying to do it cold turkey but try to limit the amount of HFCS you put into your body. Look for healthier alternatives like brown sugar or use products with no added sugar. Just read the labels on the back of each product you use. Take some time when you are not too busy to go into your favorite grocery store and read the labels and decide if you can do without your usual products or get the light version of it. It is a start!

There are four usual effects of using HFCS. If used on a regular basis you could get these things over a set amount of time. It depends, with some people it can take a year to take effect and others it could be many years later. But if you could avoid too much high fructose corn syrup and save yourself a lot of trouble.

Four Bad Effects of  High Fructose Corn Syrup
1. Obesity
2. Diabetes
3. Coronary Disease
4. High Blood Pressure


More info: Video on HFCS



(Poster Via: Term Life Insurance)

Food of the day: Honey Mango

The good:  They are a great source of fiber, Vitamins A and C.



SALSA

1.  Dice the following and add to a small bowl:

2 Honey Mangos
1/2 cup red bell pepper (about 1/4 of a large pepper)
1/2 cup red onion (about 1/4 of a medium onion)
1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded (Mince small.  Also, you can add some seeds if you like the ‘heat’.)
1/2 cup cilantro

2.  Add to salsa and mix thoroughly with a spoon:

2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)

3.  Chill salsa

Enjoy with multi-grain tortilla chips.