Mainstream corn: what non-farmers think about farming

THE US-BASED CORN Refiners Association has weighed in on the debate over high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).  HFCS has come under fire in the news in recent months because it is in so many high calorie processed foods including fast foods.  Opponents claim HFCS causes obesity, diabetes, and other health-related problems and consumers are unable to remove the ingredient from their diet because HFCS is in so many foods, ranging from beverages to bread to condiments.

The Corn Refiners Association says two thirds of Americans are aware of HFCS, but most do not understand the similarities and differences between high fructose corn syrup and table sugar.  In an effort to reach out to Americans over 25 – including moms – they’ve  launched a campaign that involves print, online and television advertisements to remind consumers that HFCS is a natural ingredient because it’s made from corn, and – just like sugar - it’s okay to consume it in moderation.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT http://www.sweetsurprise.com/
Like it or not, the next food trend is already here.  Consumers are being encouraged to eat fewer processed foods, and transition to “whole” natural foods.  For example, health experts advise consumers to opt for potatoes instead of fries, steak instead of pre-packaged hamburgers, fruit instead of juice. One way to accomplish that is to read food labels and cut HFCS from the diet. The Sweet Surprise website attempts to dispel myths and inform consumers about the origins, uses, and health properties of HFCS.  It claims HFCS is a natural sweetener that “provides many important characteristics such as texture, flavor and freshness” to foods and beverages.  “It is nutritionally the same as table sugar and has the same number of calories, too.  As many dietitians agree, sweeteners should be enjoyed in moderation.”

WHY IT WILL CHALLENGE YOU:
Nobody wants to been seen championing food ingredients that may contribute to serious health conditions affecting a growing number of North Americans.  Farm families are not immune to the serious health conditions caused by eating high-fat, high-sugar diets. The challenge here is in communicating the message that as long as consumers are opting for high-sugar foods, there’s no reason corn sugar in the form of HFCS is any more or less harmful then sugar made from sugarcane.

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN:
The website provides surface information about the uses for HFCS and combats common myths.  If you dig a little deeper you’ll find a comprehensive look at academic studies involving HFCS.  Health information, and tips for a healthy lifestyle are also featured.

WHERE TO FIND IT:
Sweet surprise advertisements are running on major television networks and magazines now.  To see the full ad campaign, and to learn more about HFCS visit http://www.sweetsurprise.com/.