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High fructose corn syrup is worse than cane sugar and is better used for alcohol in our gas tanks. What is starting to be learned is that this form of fructose is metabolized differently: it goes directly to the liver, releasing enzymes that high-fructose corn syrup instructs the body to then store fat! This may elevate triglyceride (fat in blood) levels and bad cholesterol levels. Scientists are finding that elevated levels of trigylcerides are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. In the same way it leads to insulin resistance and eventually to type 2 diabetes. That bottle of Coca Cola one would drink in the pre-1970s, made with sugar cane, would not trigger the weight gain in the same way as high fructose corn syrup.

What I have become aware of is the problem of some kind of chemical action that triggers the inflammation response in the cell walls of the circulatory system and in the brain. There has been reports that high sucrose corn syrup is linked to such responses and this would be something that needs to be examined further. Any scientists out there looking for a good research project?

We may be letting our prejudices and junk science lead us away from the real culprit in weight gain and other health effects coming from the foods we eat. Answer this question: why was heart disease almost non existent 100 years ago? People might have worked a little harder but there were still enough people living the easy life to show more heart disease than was the case.

"Answer this question: why was heart disease almost non existent 100 years ago? People might have worked a little harder but there were still enough people living the easy life to show more heart disease than was the case."

Was it non-existent or were doctors not aware of it and called it something else?

I believe you are right about fructose. Almost all refined foods have stripped away vital nutrients as well put additives and preservatives into what we eat today. Combined with a reduction in physical activity has rendered us a junkfood society.

Funny thing, a while back I had a fight with a liberal about what they have done for us over the last 50 years. His answer was the FDA and all the good they did in protecting us. I submit that the FDA has caused us more problems then it was worth.

I've wondered about high fructose corn syrup, it is in practically everything! Why? What is it about it that is better than cane sugar? Why is it in things that one wouldn't even think need any kind of sweetner, is it also some sort of preservative?