Mercury Linked to High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) in Many Processed Foods

I know I didn’t need another reason to avoid high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) like the plague. But I got one anyway…Researchers recently tested a slew of HFCS samples. One- third to one-half (depending on the study) of the samples tested contained mercury.

Yep. One of the most poisonous substances we know of-hiding in the aisles and aisles of snacks, candy, and juices created especially for kids. Even small amounts of mercury can cause symptoms like neuropathy, skin discoloration, elevated heartbeat, high blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, memory impairment, and desquamation (dead skin peeling off in layers).

Pretty scary stuff. But what’s even more frightening to me is the attitude of the article in which I first read about this mercury-HFCS connection. Sure, it advises readers to stay away from products containing HFCS, but it also implores us to “not blow the situation out of proportion.”

Excuse me? Mercury in countless food items found throughout any grocery store? What reaction, exactly, would amount to blowing the situation out of proportion?

This just adds to a long list of reasons to stay far, far away from HFCS. Previously, Nutrition and Healing Editor Amanda Ross has told you about the sweetener’s contribution to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and delayed development.

Well, we could look on the bright side-this should provide ammunition for those flustered naysayers the Corn Refiners Association finds so easy to knock down in those “Sweet Surprise” commercials.

Yours in good health,

Christine O’Brien