Insidious ingredient

Refined foods, especially products containing high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), could be the cause of the obesity epidemic and the rising rate of type 2 diabetes, suggest two articles published in the April 26, 2004 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Investigating food consumption patterns over the past 35 years, scientists found that in the 20 years from 1970 to 1990, consumption of HFCS rose by 1,000 percent. "HFCS now represents more than 40 percent of all caloric sweeteners added to foods and beverages and is the sole caloric sweetener in soft drinks in the US," says George Bray, PhD, author of one of the studies.

The second study points to processed carbohydrates in general as the cause of the steep rise in obesity. Data from the US Department of Agriculture shows that we've eaten the same amount of carbohydrates a day--roughly 500 grams--since 1909. But now, instead of whole grains and vegetables, we're receiving more of those carbs in the form of processed grains and sugars.

But the industry hotly refutes the claims. "It is ... misleading," says Robert Earl of the National Food Processors Association, "to suggest consumption of a specific food or ingredient is the cause of obesity and type 2 diabetes in this country."

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