22 March 2009
Sweet thing… Sugar Is Back !In 2007 American adults ate about 44 pounds of sugar, compared with about 40 pounds of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
The Facts
- Sugar Blamed for hyperactivity in children and studied as an addictive substance.
- High-fructose corn syrup is produced by a complex series of chemical reactions that includes the use of three enzymes and caustic soda.
- The American Medical Association says that when it comes to obesity, there is no difference between the syrup and sugar.
- Both sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are made from glucose and fructose. The level of fructose is about 5 percent higher in the corn sweetener.
- Researchers are looking into the effects of fructose on liver function, insulin production.
- Coke that is made from sugar for Jews who avoid corn during Passover has become so popular among cane-sugar fans that some stores have taken to rationing it.
The Consumer’s Concern
- Obesity rates show a direct relationship with the increased use of HFCS since the 1980’s, when it was invented.
- The first lady, Michelle Obama has said she will not give her children products made with HFCS.
- Some people prefer cane or beet sugar because it is less processed.
The Corporate Response
- A Pizza Hut pie called “The Natural”
- The just-released soda Pepsi Natural
- Healthy Choice All Natural entrees now use only sugar or honey
- Kraft Foods has removed the corn sweetener from its salad dressings
- Lunchables portable meals and snacks are removing HFCS
The Assignment
Respond to the following questions in a minimum of 5 complete sentences.
- As a consumer, what is your opinion of the controversy over sweeteners?
- Which do you prefer?
- Which do you think is healthier?
- Provide a link that supports your opinion.
- Take the anonymous poll below.
# posted by Henry @ 2:00 PM 
