Why is high fructose corn syrup bad?

Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup raises several health concerns, including a rise in obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance. High-fructose corn syrup may also decrease the effectiveness of the immune system, cause mineral imbalances, and convert to fat more readily than other forms of sugar.

Because its production sometimes involves the use of mercury-grade caustic sodas, mercury has been found in samples of high-fructose corn syrup. Sweeter than sugar, high-fructose corn syrup can cause the body to crave increasing amounts of sweets and lead to a poor diet. High-fructose corn syrup is an ingredient in many processed foods, including cereal, bread, ketchup, salad dressing, jam and ice cream.