HFCS is Killing Americans

So what’s the deal with high fructose corn syrup.  It must be safe since the FDA has approved its use in so many of America’s processed food items.  Just look at almost any food item found with a label and you will see high fructose corn syrup listed as one of the first 3 ingredients. 

The corn industry has even tried to convince us that, in moderation, HFCS is perfectly fine.  The fact that most American meals are composed of pre-packaged, processed foods, I doubt moderation is being practiced. 

High Fructose Corn Syrup transforms you into an eating machine.  Once consumed, it sets into motion a chemical cascade that begins with spiked insulin and ends with feel-good molecules known as “endorphins”.  This leaves you feeling intoxicated by artificial feel-good endorphins.  Your brain is unable to sense overeating and demands more.  All the excess calories are then stored as fat.  This has been a huge factor in the rise of obesity, Type II Diabetes and heart disease in our nation.

Now, after reading this article, I learned that in a recent study, mercury was found in high fructose corn syrup. 

“Mercury is toxic in all its forms. Given how much high-fructose corn syrup is consumed by children, it could be a significant additional source of mercury never before considered. We are calling for immediate changes by industry and the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] to help stop this avoidable mercury contamination of the food supply,” the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy’s Dr. David Wallinga, a co-author of both studies, said in a prepared statement.

This is just one more reason we should avoid anything processed or manmade in our diets.  By eating whole, unprocessed, organic foods, we are reducing the risk of disease and obesity in ourselves and our families. 

Michael Phelps and Kelloggs Controversy

Olympian Michael Phelps to Be Featured on Packages of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes(R) and Kellogg’s Corn Flakes(R) Cereal

I have a pretty good idea that this will have a huge impact on Kellogg’s revenues as kids clamor to purchase these boxes of cereal with their hero on them.  I think having heroes is awesome as long as they represent the values that we want to see emulated in our children. 

I do have a problem with Kelloggs though.  The boxes of cereal Phelps will be featured on are all sugary, high fructose laiden junk food. 

As an advocate of health and fitness, Phelps should’ve insisted on being placed on boxes of healthier cereals to encourage children to make better choices.  I’m rather disappointed in him. 

“As an Official Sponsor of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team and a proud sponsor of Phelps, it is only fitting that Kellogg Company feature this world-class athlete on its iconic boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereals,” said Marta Cyhan, Vice President, Global Promotions, Kellogg Company. “Michael embodies the values behind our Frosted Flakes Earn Your Stripes(TM) program. He knows that winning is not just about the glory that comes with gold medals, but about good sportsmanship, working hard and being your best.”

We know very well that olympians do not make Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes a regular part of their diet and I find it rather disgusting that Kellogg’s would stoop so low to increase their sales than by using our innocent children.  Childhood obesity is a major problem in our company and its the sleezy marketing of these big companies that are to blame.