In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Basheerah Enahora to unpack the science and controversy behind two of the most debated sweeteners in our food system: high fructose corn syrup and cane sugar. From their nearly identical chemical structures to how our bodies metabolize them, Dr. Enahora explains why the real concern lies not in the source of sugar but in how much of it we consume. She also explores how cost, processing, and consumer perceptions shape the ingredients that end up on our shelves. Beyond the science, we talk about how to move away from “good” or “bad” labels and toward a more balanced view of nutrition and health. Tune in to hear how Dr. Enahora helps people build sustainable eating habits that focus less on perfection and more on long-term well-being.

Learn more about Dr. Enahora’s work below:

NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/basheerah-enahora/

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

American Heart Association - Added Sugars: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/added-sugars

CDC - Be Smart About Sugar: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/be-sugar-smart/index.html

Article: Effects of high-fructose corn syrup and sucrose consumption on circulating glucose, insulin, leptin, and ghrelin and on appetite in normal-weight women: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17234503/

American Heart Association - How Much Sugar Is Too Much?: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-much-sugar-is-too-much

Article: Straight talk about high-fructose corn syrup: what it is and what it ain’t: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19064536/

Article: Sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, and fructose, their metabolism and potential health effects: what do we really know?: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23493540/

Article: Twenty-four-hour endocrine and metabolic profiles following consumption of high-fructose corn syrup-, sucrose-, fructose-, and glucose-sweetened beverages with meals: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18469239/

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.