The other day I was at my friends house and she proudly pulled out a bottle of no high fructose corn syrup Log Cabin Syrup out of her refrigerator. She then proceeded to ask me to please tell her fiance that HFCS was bad for you.

My response?

Sugar is sugar and whether it’s HFCS or table sugar, it’s equally as bad for you and should be consumed only in small amounts.

I then shared with her that she had fallen victim of a marketing ploy.

Log Cabin is capitalizing on the fact that they replaced the HFCS with sugar and are using the label to insinuate that the syrup is now healthier.

Yes, HFCS -

• Does not occur naturally in nature
• Is highly refined and artificial
• Is cheaper than sugar
• Symbolizes junk food as it extends the shelf like of processed foods.

BUT

Does the fact that the syrup is made with “real” sugar and not HFCS make it any healthier?

According to many dieticians and health professionals, the answer is NO.

But both sugar and HFCS contain fructose in similar amounts and are indistinguishable to the human body. HFCS used in foods is between 50 to 55 percent fructose whereas table sugar (sucrose) is 50 percent fructose. So there’s not much difference chemically, right?

Now I’m not saying you should run to the store and buy all the HFCS crap off the shelves you want, but I am saying that you should try to tune out all of the marketing ploys.

Oh, and limit your intake of added sugars.

I’ll admit that I prefer the processed Aunt Jemima over real maple syrup. Do you want to know what the first two ingredients in Aunt Jemima syrup are?

• Corn syrup
• High fructose corn syrup

I know there is no nutritional value to this syrup and that it contains a ton of sugar. However, I only use syrup about once every few months! And when I do, I enjoy every finger licking bite. Most often I use nut butters or Greek yogurt on my pancakes or waffles because they keep me full longer. And, well, clearly they are better for you as well.

But sometimes I just prefer the sweet, buttery taste of Aunt Jemima. Even if it is fake.

Does that mean I’m going to die earlier than someone who doesn’t eat processed foods?

I don’t think so.

Will I become obese if I continue to eat foods that contain HFCS every now and again?

No.

Life is too short to deprive myself of all unhealthy foods.

That’s why I enjoy some in moderation.

Q’s for U-

What are your thoughts on foods that contain HFCS?

Do you fall victim of marketing ploys?