Sweet Deception: The Dark History of High Fructose Corn Syrup

The video explores the rise of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) in the U.S., tracing its origins to World War II and its surge in popularity during the 1970s. The narrative focuses on President Richard Nixon and his agriculture secretary, Earl Butz, who implemented subsidies to incentivize corn production.
As a result, factory farms flourished, but family farms suffered. Nixon's administration faced economic challenges, and Butz's solution was to promote large-scale grain production, leading to excess corn. Butz then discovered HFCS in Japan, an innovation that solved the surplus corn issue.
HFCS, sweeter and cheaper than sugar, became ubiquitous in processed foods, contributing to the decline of family farms. The video highlights the role of political maneuvering, economic efficiency, and the low-fat craze in the HFCS industry's growth.
The sugar lobby's influence and the impact on health are discussed, emphasizing the historical significance of HFCS in the U.S. diet and its association with health issues like diabetes. The video suggests that what we consume today has roots in political decisions, economic strategies, and the unintended consequences of agricultural policies.