Broccoli/High Fructose Corn Syrup

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FOOD SPOTLIGHT - BROCCOLI
Broccoli is loaded with nutritional goodness. It has cancer -fighting phytochemicals called isothiocyanates, which have a neutralizing effect on carcinogens. Broccoli is loaded with vitamins. One cup contains about 2 g of protein, 2g of fiber, 288 mg potassium, 43 mg calcium, 81 mg of vitamin C. It also has folate, magnesium, phosphorus, beta-carotene, vitamin A, and lutein and zeaxanthin - excellent eye nutrition. Broccoli is also one of the foods least contaminated with pesticides. So don't sweat it if you can't buy organic.

RECIPE IDEA: Broccoli can be prepared deliciously and quickly. Steam for 3-5 minutes then sautée in olive oil. Don't over-cook veggies, they should still be bright in color and not soggy. Add crushed garlic and some crushed red pepper - other nutritional powerhouses. Add a little sea salt to taste. Throw in some fresh parsley for additional health benefits.


NOT ON MY PLATE!
Culprit: High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS-55)
High Fructose Corn Syrup is natural right? It comes from corn. Is it conducive to good health? I don't think so. HFCS is not considered as "good" calories. Here's one reason why - In the book "Good Calories, Bad Calories: Fats, Carbs, and the Controversial Science of Diet and Health", Gary Taubes, physics at Harvard and nutritional journalist states that sugar is the one ingredient that has risen quite dramatically over the past thirty years in the form of HFCS consumption. He states:

"By defining carbohydrate foods as good or bad on the basis of their glycemic index, diabetologists and public-health authorities effectively misdiagnosed the impact of fructose on human health. The key is the influence of glucose or fructose not on blood sugar but on the liver. Glucose goes directly into the bloodstream and is taken up by tissues and organs to use as energy; only 30-40 percent passes through the liver. Fructose passes directly to the liver, where it is metabolized almost exclusively. As a result, fructose "constitutes a metabolic load targeted on the liver..."

"...Given time, high-fructose diets can induce high insulin levels, high blood sugar, and insulin resistance, even though in the short term fructose has little effect on either blood sugar or insulin and so a very low glycemic index."

So check your labels - you'll be surprised - HFCS is in many products including soft drinks, breads, snacks, baked goods et al.