American love fructose corn syrup

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CHART 1 • American love fructose corn syrup

Americans are consuming 124 pounds of sweetener per person annually, with high-fructose corn syrup now comprising 31% of our total sugar intake. Recent research challenges this long-held conclusion about HFCS being no worse than regular sugar, with new evidence linking its consumption to increased risk of obesity, dyslipidemia (unhealthy levels of blood fats), a fatty liver, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and diabetes.

The dramatic shift began in the late 1970s when consumption of HFCS increased > 1000% between 1970 and 1990, fundamentally altering the American diet. In a surprising twist, Coca-Cola announced it is making a version with cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, suggesting even major food corporations are recognising consumer concerns about this ubiquitous sweetener that's been linked to our obesity epidemic.

Source: Chartr

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