High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sugar substitute used in processed food products that has several effects on American society and culture. In recent years, high fructose corn syrup has come under public scrutiny due to its contribution to poor health. However, HFCS is extremely cheap, creating a debate that essentially pits good health against economic benefits. The consumption and production of high fructose corn syrup leads to a variety of significant negative consequences, including obesity-related diseases, decreased food and beverage quality, and poor farmer welfare. On the contrary, positive consequences include food preservation and reduced consumer spending. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The health effects of high fructose corn syrup are extremely negative and contribute greatly to America's obesity problem. These negative effects are probably the most widespread problem regarding HFCS. It's no secret that Americans generally enjoy consuming sugary foods and drinks like soda and candy. By replacing the normal sugar in these products with high fructose corn syrup, consumers put themselves at higher risk of weight gain and obesity-related illnesses. A Princeton University study in March 2010 found that rats gained more weight eating high-fructose corn syrup than eating regular table sugar (The Economist 2010). Overconsumption of HFCS is a major contributor to many epidemics such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, dementia and obesity. Of course, normal sugar also promotes these diseases, but the 2010 Princeton study and many other studies prove that the negative health impact of HFCS is much greater than the negative health impact of sugar ( Hyman 2013). Therefore, companies replacing sugar with high fructose corn syrup are seriously harming the overall health of the nation. High fructose corn syrup is a toxin that poisons consumers due to excess fat and increases the risk of chronic disease. Not only is high fructose corn syrup worse for the consumer's health, but it also decreases product quality and leaves customers less satisfied. This idea is demonstrated by the popularity of Mexican Coca-Cola. The Mexican government does not offer corn subsidies like the United States does. Therefore, Coca-Cola branches located in Mexico always use real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. A taste test conducted by the Huffington Post showed that eighty percent of tasters preferred Mexican Coca-Cola to the American version made with HFCS (Thomson 2012). This study indicates that Coca-Cola is offering Americans an inferior product. Although Mexican Coca-Cola is available at a higher price in some U.S. supermarkets, most consumers are deprived of this preferable natural sugar-based beverage. The reduction in quality after replacing sugar with high fructose corn syrup is a negative consequence of HFCS as a whole. The development and popularity of high fructose corn syrup has caused farmers to face new changes sometimes.