Sports Drinks and High Energy Bars and Low Fat Foods – Do They Perform or Fail Us?
Recent studies indicate these “foods” could in fact increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
By Dr Graham Lyttle| Manufacturers are in the business of producing profits for their shareholders, usually more so than health for their consumers. They are driven by market forces that demand “taste good” factors leading to prominent market share and advertising, and leading to public acceptance. These products do not come under the Therapeutic Drugs Act (TGA) rather the Food and Drug Administration. This means their compliance to health factors is very low compared to a “supplement”. So “don’t buy the advertising” and if it tastes “perfect” – beware of it, unless it comes in a natural skin, has seeds and a stem from a tree or plant! Manufacturers also developed chemical processes to produce a sweet substance called HFCS, made from corn syrup. For over 25 years Australians have been consuming this stuff in every packaged, processed, sweetened product more than common sugar. It’s in supposed health foods like sports drinks, fruit juices, energy bars, breakfast cereals and even good old yogurt! Earlier this year (2004) a bill was passed for the 108th Congress in the USA that directed an amendment be made to their Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. This amendment directs the manufacturers of dietary supplements to comply with the act after evidence was brought forward showing the affect of HFCS. Dr Gron from Harvard Biotechnologies Department was able to show the foods with corn syrup lead to a dramatic rise in diabetes and obesity. This type of fructose (HFCS) prevents the normal absorption of copper, which has a major roll in building bone, blood and joints. And cereals containing this HFCS are consumed in vast amounts by growing children. Is it any surprise we have children with joint and “arthritic” like pains at such early stages of life. The study also gave evidence that this HFCS impact on biochemical copper /: fructose ratios could lead to cardio vascular disease (CHD). They used the poor old lab rat who, after being fed this combination, died within five (5) weeks from chronic heart disease. In another similar study (at USDA) they stopped a research program on humans when 4 of 24 subjects developed heart abnormalities. They saw how this high fructose diet lowered copper levels which also lowered chromium levels. Low chromium levels lead to sugar cravings and elevated insulin – a perfect set up for diabetes. Conclusion: Read the labels! Any HFCS or Corn Syrup as a fructose - DO NOT GIVE IT TO ANYONE YOU LOVE! |