High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sugar substitute used in processed foods that has several effects on society and about American culture. In recent years, high fructose corn syrup has come under public scrutiny due to its contribution to poor health. However, HFCS is extremely cheap, creating a debate that essentially pits good health against economic benefits. The consumption and production of high fructose corn syrup results in a number of significant negative consequences, including obesity-related diseases, decreased food and beverage quality, and poor farmer welfare. Conversely, positive consequences include food conservation and reduced consumer spending. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The health effects of high fructose corn syrup are extremely negative and contribute greatly to the obesity problem in America. These negative effects are probably the most widespread problem with HFCS. It's no secret that Americans generally love consuming sugary foods and drinks like soda and candy. By replacing the regular sugar in these products with high fructose corn syrup, consumers are at greater risk of weight gain and obesity-related diseases. A March 2010 Princeton University study found that rats gained more weight eating high-fructose corn syrup than regular table sugar (The Economist 2010). Excessive consumption of HFCS contributes heavily to many health epidemics such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, dementia and obesity. Of course, regular sugar also promotes these diseases, but the 2010 Princeton study and many other studies demonstrate that the negative health impact of HFCS is far greater than the negative health impact of sugar (Hyman 2013). Therefore, companies that replace sugar with high fructose corn syrup seriously harm the overall health of the nation. High fructose corn syrup is a toxin that poisons consumers with excess fat and increases the risk of chronic disease. Not only is high fructose corn syrup harmful to consumer health, it also decreases product quality and leaves customers less satisfied. This idea is demonstrated by the popularity of Mexican Coca-Cola. The Mexican government does not offer subsidies for corn like the United States does. Therefore, Coca-Cola branches located in Mexico still use real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. A taste test conducted by the Huffington Post showed that eighty percent of tasters preferred Mexican Coca-Cola over the American version made with HFCS (Thomson 2012). This study indicates that Coca-Cola provides Americans with an inferior product. Although Mexican Coca-Cola is available at a higher price in some American supermarkets, most consumers are deprived of the preferable natural sugar-based beverage. The reduction in quality after replacing sugar with high fructose corn syrup is a negative consequence of HFCS as a whole. The development and popularity of high fructose corn syrup has forced farmers to face new and sometimes difficult changes. The US government has.
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