If you look on the labels on most processed foods, you will find that they are loaded with high fructose corn syrup. Though many experts argue that adding high fructose corn syrup to something is almost the same exact thing as adding an equivalent amount of sugar, the obesity rate in America skyrocketed shortly after more and more companies started adding high fructose corn syrup to their foods. Because of this, many people have tried to steer clear of high fructose corn syrup in their diet.

You should consider eliminating high fructose corn syrup from your diet if you want to stay healthy. Though scientists are continuing to run tests on the consequences of eating too many foods with high fructose corn syrup, there are some clear-cut reasons that you should stay away from foods containing high fructose corn syrup. Here are 3 of the most important.

Just like including too many cookies, cakes and candies in your diet, getting too much high fructose corn syrup can actually cause diabetes. The problem is that so many processed foods include high fructose corn syrup that you may be getting too much of it in your diet and not even know. For instance, most sodas contain high levels of high fructose corn syrup (so do many cereals and toaster pastries). But, even certain types of breads and other foods that you may not consider include high levels of high fructose corn syrup. If you eat them regularly, you could be putting yourself at risk of getting diabetes, which you will then have to monitor for the rest of your life.

Some high fructose corn syrup in your diet is not going to hurt you. But, if you include it in every meal, there's a good chance you may gain weight over time. This is because, while high fructose corn syrup is simply an alternative to sugar, it is not natural. It takes your body up to three times as long to digest and break down high fructose corn syrup as it does to digest and break down natural sugar. And, if you're eating enough products containing high fructose corn syrup, your body is likely going to have a hard time keeping up. This will cause you to gain weight.

If high fructose corn syrup can cause obesity, it can also basically screw up many other important functions of the body. As you gain weight, you're going to be putting more strain on your heart and your circulatory system. As a result, high fructose corn syrup can cause your blood pressure to skyrocket.

If you want to avoid high fructose corn syrup, try eating more organic foods or foods that are grown and not processed. Fruits and vegetables, for instance, contain natural sugars that can be digested easily by the body. Stay away from processed foods to avoid the harmful effects of high fructose corn syrup.