It’s been a long week…

by Valerie on January 31, 2009 · 2 comments

…but there’s been much debate on an issue of interest to me – high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) – and I wanted to make sure to put up a short post on the topic.

I have spent a very long time keeping it out of my food consumption because of the effects it can have on metabolism and health in general. I do sometimes (rarely) make an exception for homemade marshmallows or to use Worcestershire sauce. I didn’t make those exceptions for years but lately I was going with the theory that a minute amount should not have a large effect on me.

Then this report came out, and I have to say that using whipped cream on my hot chocolate is starting to seem like a much better idea. The fact that mercury has been found in foods containing HFCS had me go back through the kitchen rereading all ingredients on everything. I was happy to confirm that only the Worcestershire sauce needed to be thrown out (I had no marshmallows at home).

For more eloquent blogging on this topic, check out A Mighty Appetite, written by a professional food blogger, and RTW, a blog written by an M.D. who left medicine to pursue a career in finance and addresses various lifestyle issues. Like me, both have a strong interest in organic and local eating, and have linked up to all sorts of interesting information. [added February 2 – also check out Jenn’s post from today on this matter over at Leftover Queen].

If you will excuse me, I am off to take a nap now. Enjoy the Superbowl tomorrow!

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Karley February 4, 2009 at 4:05 pm

It is scary. I guess I never gave what was going IN my body a thought until I was pregnant with Nick.

HF Corn Syrup is in so many things. Thankfully, I am a water, tea and coffee drinker (almond milk, too) and avoid soda. I am religious about what I feed the boys.

I do use Worcestershire often, though, so it is bothersome for sure.

I may also rethink my pecan pie baking at the holidays. I don’t think my guests would like mercury for dessert.

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2 City Girl February 17, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Since I wrote the post I have been doing a little more reading – seems that agave syrup is a good substitute for HFCS in baking because of its texture.

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