Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the health effects of having large amounts of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in our food. Even the first lady, Michelle Obama, has said she will not give her children products made with high fructose corn syrup. This backlash has caused the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) to launch a high-powered media campaign to promote this corn-based sweetener. In their television ads, the CRA says HFCS is "fine in moderation" and that it has "the same natural sweeteners as table sugar." They also insist that it is "natural," but to create HFCS from corn takes a very complex chemical process.

The reality behind the Corn Refiners Association's claims:

CLAIM: HFCS is "all natural"

FACT: Though it comes from corn, HFCS is not completely natural. It is created through a complex series of chemical reactions that includes the use of three enzymes and caustic soda.

CLAIM: HFCS has the same natural sweeteners as table sugar

FACT: Corn syrup does not contain exactly "the same natural sweeteners as table sugar," but they are close.  In fact, HFCS is made up of mostly fructose sugar which is harder for your body to digest than regular glucose sugar and studies have shown that fructose is more often converted into fat instead of energy.

CLAIM:  HFCS is fine in moderation

FACT:  High fructose consumption has been linked to heart disease. It has also been shown to raise blood levels of cholesterol and another type of fat, triglyceride. It can also make blood cells more prone to clotting. Eating a lot of table sugar is about as unhealthy for you, but it is not hidden in so many food products as HFCS is. So, you're not getting so much of it without even realizing it!  Some common foods where HFCS is hidden include:

• Most Sodas
• Iced Tea
• Cookies
• Cereal
• Salad dressing
• Canned soup
• Cheese spread
• Yogurt
• Peanut butter
• Bread
• Crackers