Of all of the food additives listed on labels, which is the most unhealthy?
There are lots of candidates: trans fat, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial colours, sodium containing preservatives and flavour enhancers. I think all of these things are “evil” but consider HFCS to be the worst.[1]
Gluten and lactose are not evil but obviously have to be avoided by those with intolerances. Natural salts are okay in moderation. Sugar is okay in moderation. Fats and oils, aside from trans fat, are okay in moderation.
When you look at an ear of corn, it seems so wholesome and innocent. It’s hard to imagine it as the source of a food additive that contributes significantly to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders, and yet, it does. What makes HFCS the worst in my opinion is that it is insidious. It shows up in savory foods and beverages as well as those that are sweet.
The good news is it’s easy to avoid if you limit your intake of highly processed foods and beverages. If your diet is based on a variety of whole foods which you prepare yourself, you’ll be able to bypass lots of food additives including high fructose corn syrup.
Footnotes
The Doctor's Note 