How to Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, adds many extra calories to foods and beverages without contributing any nutritional value. HFCS hides in many products. However, with a little know-how, you can reduce your consumption of this sweet, unhealthy additive.

Instructions

1. Understand the dangers. HFCS is corn syrup that has undergone processing to increase its fructose content. It was developed in the late 1970s as a cheap, plentiful alternative to natural sugar. Because HFCS is so inexpensive, big food companies use it liberally in their products. People consume more HFCS than they think, and it can lead to obesity and early-onset diabetes.

2. Talk to your family, particularly your kids, about avoiding HFCS. Childhood obesity levels have risen dramatically since HFCS became so available. Remind your kids to make smart choices at school and to refrain from buying candy bars and sugary soft drinks.

3. Investigate your kitchen. Start with the items that are obviously chock-full of high-fructose corn syrup including sodas, sweetened breakfast cereal and candy. Then read the labels on less obvious culprits. You'll be surprised at how much high-fructose corn syrup is in foods like English muffins, ketchup, salad dressing and canned baked beans.

4. Toss the foods containing HFCS. Sure, it's not easy to throw away these items, but consider the damage that HFCS can do to your family's health.

5. Replace HFCS-heavy food and beverages with healthier alternatives. Look for products that contain sucrose, cane sugar and fruit juice as sweeteners. Most organic and natural foods grocery stores carry HFCS-free items.