Corn syrup is trying to make a health claim status

My sister sent me an interesting link today, followed by my view of an interesting advertisement in a magazine. Both claiming that corn syrup is healthy, because it’s derived from corn.

Well, I’ve got a few things to say about it, too (heh. When don’t I, though?) As stated in “In Defense of Food,” (and crudely paraphrased by me), if a “food-like substance” has to tout its healthiness, it’s a sure sign that it’s not healthy; or at least the best option. I’ve never seen an advertisement for a carrot…but I see lots of ads for V8 juice. Blueberries are full of vitamins and antioxidants, but their wrapper doesn’t say that; but, Blueberry Pop-Tarts sure go out of their way to make sure you know that. Same with just about every other raw, natural food out there—-including sugars & honeys versus corn syrup. The healthy foods stay quiet, why the manufactured foods hire marketers to justify their existence.

The website claiming the values of corn syrup sure brings up a lot of good points: same calories as sugar and honey and same amount of sweetness as sugars and honey. However, what the key points are are complete omitted! Such as: the fact that corn syrup is a chemically-altered substance, whereas sugars and honeys are natural in their form. And that corn syrup, by several reports has been show to cause weight gain, and maintain it at higher levels. Last, but not least, their website says, “HFCS-55 is as sweet as table sugar, while HFCS-42 is somewhat less sweet. When HFCS-55 was developed…” Mmmm. Developed! I always like to have a “developed” product in my foods. :)

The omission of truth about corn syrup: SweetSurprise

As a closing thought, “We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.” — Alfred E. Newman (MAD Magazine).