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.

In this episode, Dr. Khara Grieger and Dr. Katy May join us to explore the growing concern around PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” and their connection to our food and water systems. From cookware and cosmetics to contaminated rivers in North Carolina, they unpack how PFAS make their way into our bodies and the risks they pose for human health, farmers, and local communities. We discuss what the science does and doesn’t yet tell us, the challenges of regulating thousands of PFAS compounds, and how consumers can make more informed choices without panic. Plus, our guests highlight emerging solutions, from municipal water filters to bioremediation, and share why collective awareness and source reduction may be the key to protecting our future food system.

Learn more about Dr. Grieger and Dr. May’s work below:

Khara Grieger’s NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/applied-ecology/people/kdgriege/

Katy May’s NC State Bio Page: https://publicscience.ncsu.edu/people/kmay2/

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

NC State University PFAS Hub: https://superfund.ncsu.edu/pfas-hub/

Guide to Understanding and Addressing PFAS in our Communities: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/Guide-to-Understanding-and-Addressing-PFAS-in-our-communities

PFAS: Concerns Mount Regarding Biosolid Applications: https://farmlaw.ces.ncsu.edu/2025/02/pfas-concerns-mount-regarding-biosolid-applications/

EWG’s Tap Water Database: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/reviewed-pfcs.php

PFAS Central PFAS-Free Products: https://pfascentral.org/pfas-free-products/

PFAS Project Lab Resources: https://pfasproject.com/additional-resources-get-the-facts/

PFAS Exchange - What’s My Exposure: https://www-pfas.pfas-exchange.org/report/graphtool/

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.

In this episode, Dr. Carolyn Bird joins us to unpack the role of SNAP outreach in connecting families to vital food resources. She explains how the More In My Basket program works to reduce barriers, simplify applications, and raise awareness of benefits many people don’t realize SNAP offers. We explore the challenges of keeping benefits aligned with rising food costs, innovations that could streamline enrollment, and the importance of partnerships with Extension agents and community groups. Dr. Bird also shares stories that highlight why outreach matters and how it builds access and nutrition security across North Carolina.

Learn more about Dr. Bird’s work below:

Carolyn Bird’s NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/agricultural-and-human-sciences/people/carolyn-bird/

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

More In My Basket: https://morefood.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moreinmybasket

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moreinmybasket/?hl=en

Twitter: https://x.com/basket_more

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.