By Mama G. LeDish

Parents are bombarded with mixed messages regarding high-fructose corn syrup. Products proudly declaring “no high-fructose corn syrup” line the shelves while we watch commercials assuring us there is no difference between high-fructose corn syrup and sugar. How do we begin to sort this out?

Fructose is a naturally occurring sugar found in honey, tree fruits, and many forms of produce, whereas high-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener made by processing corn syrup to increase the level of fructose to produce a desired sweetness (converting glucose into fructose). If you recently purchased any food that comes in a package — there’s a good chance it contains high-fructose corn syrup.

The nutritional value of high-fructose corn syrup verses cane sugar is the subject of a public debate dubbed the Sugar War. And it’s struck a chord with consumers. So much so, some companies have responded by removing high fructose corn syrup from their products altogether, often replacing it with pure cane sugar and repackaging their products to promote their ”natural” ingredients. And the producers of corn syrup are fighting back.

I’m not sure if there’s any chemical difference in how the body breaks it down, but I can’t help but wonder if it creates a preference for very sweet foods as it’s sweeter than naturally occurring sugar.

What are consumers supposed to believe?

We aren’t doctors, nutritionists, or scientists. We don’t claim to have the answers, but we are happy to share our research with all the busy moms out there trying to make the right choices for your family.

This week, TomAto, TomatOH! presents opinions from both sides of the sugar war! And a little something to make you laugh;)

TomAto (PRO)

The Corn Refiners Asssociation argue there is no chemical or nutritional difference between high-fructose corn syrup and pure cane sugar.

www.sweetsurprise.com/

TomatOH (CON)

Dr. Oz goes on record placing high-fructose corn syrup in the “Food Hall of Shame.” He cautions everyone to approach with caution…

http://www.oprah.com/health/Dr-Ozs-Food-Hall-of-Shame-and-Fame/2

http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/01/15/dr-oz-reveals-the-sneaky-sugar-in-your-food/

And Saturday Night Live has a laugh at both sides of the Sugar War (a little something to Grow Your Giggle)

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/corn-syrup-commercial/1313759

NOTE: The opinions expressed by the bloggers on Mama LeDish are theirs alone and do not represent the opinions of Fifi Delish Holding or its subsidiaries, affiliates, sponsors. We do not claim to be experts who have all the answers, we’re just sorting through these issues just like everyone else.  Fifi Delish Holding and its subsidiaries are not not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by the bloggers or the content we share from the web.