Identification

• Sucrose, commonly called table sugar, comes from cane or beet sugar. After processing, it forms a sweet smelling, tasting and crystal-like powder. Sugar has played a significant role in cooking ever since it was discovered. Not only is it used as a sweetener but it also preserves foods. However, sugar has become increasingly expensive, which has led to the development of corn syrup.
  
  

identificationI

• High fructose corn syrup is made from corn and used as a sugar substitute in processed foods and beverages because of its likeness to sucrose. By an enzymatic process, a combination of glucose and fructose is derived from corn. Developed in Japan in the late 1960s, it began to appear in the U.S. food supply in the early 1970s. It comes in the form of thick, syrup-like consistency. It is also far more inexpensive and can preserve foods and beverages longer than sugar.
  
  

Considerations

• Sucrose and high fructose corn syrup are both made from two simple sugars--glucose and fructose. They also contain the same amount of calories. But because they are made from different foods, they are processed differently in the body.
  In sucrose, the glucose and fructose are chemically bonded. In corn syrup, they are blended together. The body first needs to digest and break down the sugar in the chemically formed sucrose. Since corn syrup is blended, the body does not need to digest it before it is metabolized and released into the blood stream.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Although both sweeteners are digested differently, they show no real significance in how the body reacts. Both are forms of empty calories that provide a burst of energy, but they do not contain any vitamins, minerals or nutritional value.
  
  

Conclusion

• The debate continues whether one form of sweetener is "healthier" than others. High fructose corn syrup has received a lot of attention because it is often linked to many junk foods. However, it should be noted, both are forms of sugar and should be eaten in careful moderation.
  Hidden additives are the link to obesity. American are consuming far more calories than necessary and need to be more aware what is in the actual foods. Whether it be sugar or corn syrup, it is best to eat food in its natural state and save the sweets for special occasions.