HFCS is included in many processed foods and beverages, and obesity rates have risen sharply since the introduction of HFCS 20 years ago. With its connection to both obesity and hypertension, high fructose corn syrup is becoming the big bad wolf on the ingredients list.

In a new study, Diana Jalal, MD at the University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center and her colleagues examined 4,528 adults with no prior history of hypertension.

The researchers found that people who consumed more than 74 grams a day of fructose increased their risk of developing hypertension. 74 grams is equal to 2.5 sugary soft drinks per day.

The study authors concluded that, “These results indicate that high fructose intake in the form of added sugars is significantly and independently associated with higher blood pressure levels in the US adult population with no previous history of hypertension.” The findings will be presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 42nd annual meeting in San Diego.

Do you try to avoid too much sugar intake?

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Post from: Blisstree

The Big Bad High Fructose Corn Syrup

Men get a bit more sugar allowance! The American Heart Association says that men can consume up to 150 calories a day or nine teaspoons of added sugar.

The added sugar intake recommendations were published online Monday in Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association.

Why sugar intake recommendations now?

The suggestions on sugar intake aim to help reduce obesity and diabetes. We’re eating more sugar than we did three decades ago, but we’re not more active.

In other words, if you’re not willing to exercise more, you should really watch that sugar intake. Eliminating soda consumption is the first place to start. Just one soda can push you over the recommended daily sugar intake.

After quitting the soda habit, the American Heart Association recommends taking a look at your table sugar and candy consumption, followed by cakes, cookies and pies.

Fruit drinks and dairy desserts like ice cream are also a big source of sugar. Also, don’t forget to look at your sugar intake from processed grain foods like cinnamon toast.

While you don’t have to worry about natural sugar in fruits, you do need to be aware of eating foods with high fructose corn syrup.

Will these new guidelines encourage you to start counting your sugar intake?

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Post from: Blisstree

Women Urged to Cut Added Sugar Intake

That 2 hours before bed seems to be the magic key to weight loss. Well, that’s a little simplistic, because I made all the other changes first over the last year-and-a-half. - drinking water, extreme amounts of exercise, whole grain bread and noodles, baked not fried, and adding breakfast and healthy snacks.

In Bob Greene’sThe Best Life Diet you can’t eat 2 hours before bed. It took me 16 months to lose about 20-25 pounds doing all the other stuff put together.  That’s what? 1.4 pounds a month?

But, in one month, actually 5 weeks, I lost 7 pound by not eating after 8 pm. Plus all the other stuff.

At least I think so. Maybe. I dunno if I believe it.

There are two significant variables:

• Weighing the day before my period in August, but weighing the day AFTER my period in Sept. That could be 5 pounds right there. What’s the menstrual weigh-in rule?
• The scale at the gym was serviced (they adjust the balance periodically) between my two weigh-ins. Maybe the scale was off the first time and it’s saying I lost 7 pounds and I lost 2? How can I know?

With everything going on in my life, new school schedules, coaching soccer, mentoring, working from home, mothering, marriage issues, book club . . . I don’t really feel ready to move to Phase 2. If I’m losing 7 pounds a month, I’m okay with not amping up the dieting right now. I think I’ll just hang out in Phase 1 for at least a month. Seven pounds a month is acceptable, even if it’s not true.

Post from: Blisstree

Weigh-In

I didn’t know it but High Fructose Corn Syrup is my favorite food on the planet. I’m actually unsure if it’s possible not to eat it. Maybe if you have access to a lot of health food stores in a big-city you might be able to do it, but I’m questioning whether in a meat-n-potatoes small town it’s even a viable and affordable option.

Some of the thing I previously believed were healthy enough.

• Peanut Butter
• Salad Dressing
• Whole Wheat Bread
• Granola Bars
• Crackers
• Instant Oatmeal
• Shredded Wheat Cereal

Get rid of Partially Hydrogenated Oil and what is left? Not much. Ever noticed how much less expensive the HFCS and PHO foods are in the grocery store? Between .30 and $2 per item, by my estimation. If it’s even available.

I’m still deciding whether it’s something I am able to give up.

Post from: Blisstree

High Fructose Corn Syrup – YUM!