Glucose-Fructose Syrup - A questionable syrup?
Summer is approaching, temperatures are rising. What could be better than a cool soft drink? But what if the delicious drink contains a questionable syrup?
Let's take a closer look at the syrup and its dubiousness.
Known to the experts as isoglucose, the glucose-fructose syrup is also known as corn syrup. This is a, for the purpose of? Taste optimization? used, sugar concentrate. The syrup itself is made from corn starch. Corn kernels are processed (peeled, ground) for this purpose. Enzymes now split the corn starch and convert glucose into fructose. Done is the glucose-fructose syrup which, depending on its fructose content, may have a more intense sweetness than sugar.
But what exactly is behind each word? and? fructose ??
- Glucose is the name for glucose and a vital energy source for our organism (brain and nerve cells). It is contained in fruits and honey.
- Fructose is the sweetest of all carbohydrates in its original form and is also found in fruits and honey. The higher the fructose content, the sweeter the corn syrup. Often unknown is the fact that about one fifth of the world's population suffers from fructose intolerance.
How widespread is the glucose-fructose syrup and in which foods is it contained?
Within the EU, the use of glucose-fructose syrup is limited to 5% of sugar consumption under the EU Sugar Market Regulation. However, from 2016/2017 it is planned to abolish the sugar quota.
In the US, glucose-fructose syrup, known as High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), has been a major competitor to conventional sugar. Consumption per capita is just as high as sugar. Whether the cultivation of maize, which is widely used in the US and subsidized by the state, is a reason for this, is an open question.
But the fact is that the production of the syrup is cheaper than the production of the conventional commercial sugar.
Foods containing the glucose-fructose syrup: The syrup is included in soft drinks, bread, yoghurt, sweets and ready meals.
Is the glucose-fructose syrup harmful to your health now?
New studies see a connection between increased intake of syrup and obesity and its sequelae (increased blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease). For this reason, consumer protection has sought to ban the use of glucose-fructose syrup as a food supplement.
However, there are no studies that prove a harmful effect on a moderate intake of the syrup.
Our conclusion: As in many other things, should be paid to the glucose-fructose syrup on a moderate consumption! Basically, we recommend the handle in the fresh fruit basket, as here in addition to fructose many good fiber is included, which are unfortunately largely missing in soft drinks & Co.!
Discussion desired!
