President Trump exposes the dark side of sweeteners! The terrible health risks of artificial sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup and the truth behind the WHO emergency warning

Hello, I'm Miko, the manager of Kokaiko Shoten!

I've been out a lot this week, and as expected, eating out regularly really does have an effect on your body.

That said, I'm not choosing to eat anything that's bad for me, but my nose has been running for the past few days, so I guess there must have been even a tiny amount of wheat flour in there somewhere.

Well, in July I received some news that clearly explains why I, someone with such a sensitive constitution, am always careful to avoid even small amounts of refined sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, etc., so I would like to share it with you all!

Well then, let's get started!

What are President Trump's demands on Coca-Cola?

On July 16, 2025, President Donald Trump made a shocking announcement on his social media account, Truth Social: "I have spoken to Coca-Cola about using 'real' sugar made from sugarcane in Coke sold in the United States, and they have agreed to this."

Coca-Cola has been using corn syrup (HFCS: high-fructose corn syrup, a liquid sugar made by breaking down corn starch with enzymes and acids to turn it into sugar) in its drinks sold in the United States until now. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has consistently pointed out the health risks of this.

This seemingly simple call for a change in sweeteners hides a warning about serious health issues plaguing American society, the dark side of the food industry, and the dire risks posed by the sweeteners we consume every day.

Why would President Trump, who reportedly drinks 12 cans of diet coke a day, make such a demand? The truth behind this reveals the dark side of the food industry, including the dangers of high-fructose corn syrup, which is rampant in our daily lives, as well as the problem of artificial sweeteners.

Related article: What happens when you cut out sugar for 30 days? From weight loss to improved sleep - the surprising health benefits

The terrifying truth behind "Make America Healthy Again"

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., who promotes one of the Trump administration's slogans, "Make America Healthy Again," has stated clearly that "High fructose corn syrup is made by processing corn. It causes obesity and diabetes." However, the problem is not only high fructose corn syrup (high fructose corn syrup), but also artificial sweeteners.

The United States is a nation of obesity epidemics, with approximately 40% of adults obese and approximately 30% overweight, just one step away from obesity. Behind this serious health crisis, the breakdown of the metabolic system caused by the combination of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners has come to light.

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High-fructose corn syrup: The invisible enemy lurking all around us

What is high-fructose corn syrup?

High fructose corn syrup is a liquid sweetener made from starch from corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. "Natural" sounds healthy, but it is actually a chemically manufactured product in a factory . What's more, most of these crops are "genetically modified," which is a serious problem.

The ingredients are listed as follows:

• High-fructose corn syrup (fructose content less than 50%)
• High fructose corn syrup (fructose content: 50% to 90%)
• High fructose corn syrup (fructose content 90% or more)

Why do companies use high-fructose corn syrup?

The reason food companies love high fructose corn syrup is purely for economic reasons , not health concerns.

1. Extremely low prices 

High fructose corn syrup, which has a fructose content of 55%, can be procured at about 70% the price of sugar. Mass production can significantly reduce manufacturing costs.

2. Enhances sweetness in cold drinks 

Fructose has the property of becoming sweeter at low temperatures, making it more efficient than sugar in creating sweetness in soft drinks and frozen desserts.

3. Convenience of logistics and storage 

Because it is a liquid, it does not crystallize and can be transported in large quantities by tanker truck. It is also easy to handle in factories and is suitable for automating the manufacturing process.

4. Easy to adjust the taste 

Industrial production allows for the sweetness and flavor to be freely adjusted, making it easier to maintain consistent quality for each product.

5. The hidden uses of genetically modified crops 

Many of the ingredients are genetically modified corn, but once processed, labeling requirements become unclear, making it difficult for consumers to notice.

6. Collusion with government agricultural policy 

Agricultural subsidy systems in each country encourage the production of raw material crops and ensure a stable supply system.

For these reasons, the food industry continues to prioritize profits over consumer health and expand the use of high-fructose corn syrup .

The terrifying truth about high-fructose corn syrup lurking in all kinds of products

If you've never heard of such a sugar, check the ingredients on the following products you have at home:

Beverages

• Soft drinks (cola, carbonated drinks, etc.)
• Sports drinks (such as Pocari Sweat or Aquarius)
• Milk-based drinks (Yakult, etc.)
• Gum syrup (sweetener served at Starbucks and coffee shops)

It is also found in many foods and seasonings.

• Sweet breads and breads
• Yogurt, ice cream
• canning
• Seasonings (soy sauce, mirin-style seasoning)
• Dashi-based condiments such as noodle soup and hotpot base
• dressing
• frozen dessert
• sweets

In any case, it is found in all kinds of foods in Japan, and commercially available soft drinks in particular contain around 12% isomerized sugar, so if you drink 500ml of it, you will be consuming a whopping 60g of isomerized sugar .

Many people don't know that high-fructose corn syrup is 10 times more dangerous than sugar.

The risk of glycation is 10 times higher than that of sugar

It has been found that glyceraldehyde, a metabolic intermediate of fructose, produces AGEs, a major cause of glycation, at a rate 10 times greater than that of glucose .

Glycation is a phenomenon in which proteins in the body bind with sugar and denature. These AGEs (advanced glycation end products) are harmful substances that promote aging and inflammation, and are known to cause diabetic complications. Fructose produces these toxic substances 10 times more frequently than glucose .

Direct attack on the liver

Fructose is mostly metabolized in the liver, so it does not raise blood sugar levels, but it is converted into triglycerides in the liver and stored as fat, which dramatically increases the risk of fatty liver.

In fact, it has been reported that the prevalence of NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) increased from 12.9% in 1994 to 34.7% in 2000 - a 2.5-fold increase in just six years! These figures clearly show that fatty liver caused by excessive fructose intake is not simply a "lifestyle disease," but a national health crisis .

Dramatic increase in diabetes risk

A study from the University of Southern California found that countries with high intakes of high-fructose corn syrup have a roughly 20% higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes compared to countries with low intakes.

Fructose is mostly metabolized in the liver, so it does not raise blood sugar levels as much as glucose. However, the excess is converted into triglycerides (neutral fats). This accumulation of fat in the liver is the main mechanism that causes insulin resistance.

What is insulin resistance?

This refers to a condition in which insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, is impaired, weakened, or unable to function in peripheral target tissues such as the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle. This is an important etiological factor involved in the development of type 2 diabetes.

WHO Urgent Warning: "Don't use artificial sweeteners!"

Did you know that in May 2023, two months before President Trump's Coca-Cola request, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a serious warning to humanity?

The unprecedented recommendation was to "avoid the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) for weight loss and the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases ." In other words, don't drink or eat diet drinks or low-calorie foods!

Related Article: The Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners – The Risk of Weight Gain and Addiction

WHO reveals the terrifying side effects of artificial sweeteners

The short-term effect trap :

In a relatively short-term study of adults conducted over a few months, heavy use of artificial sweeteners was associated with weight loss, but in a long-term study conducted over years, heavy use of artificial sweeteners was associated with weight gain.

Rapid increase in risk of lifestyle-related diseases :

Long-term effects of artificial sweeteners over a period of years have been reported, including increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction, and death.

If you're choosing diet coke or zero-calorie drinks because you're trying to lose weight, you're missing the point.

Aspartame is carcinogenic: WHO shocking announcement

On July 14, 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an organization under the WHO, made a shocking announcement: it stated that aspartame, the most widely used artificial sweetener, is a possible carcinogen, and expressed particular concern about its potential to cause liver cancer.

Aspartame was classified as a potential carcinogen (2B) by the IARC on a four-level scale, the second lowest level , on the same level as gasoline-fueled engine exhaust and lead.

Related Article: The Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners – The Risk of Weight Gain and Addiction

Aspartame lurking in everyday products

We are surrounded by products that contain aspartame:

• Diet drinks, chewing gum, and gelatin
• Dairy products such as ice cream and yogurt
• Breakfast cereal
• toothpaste
• Medicines and quasi-drugs such as cough suppressants, chewable tablets, vitamin supplements, and health foods

For example, Yakult is said to be good for the intestinal environment. Yakult LT and the yogurt Soful LT are part of the Yakult series. While these products claim to reduce calories, did you know they contain aspartame? Far from improving the intestinal environment, they contain substances that disrupt the intestines.

So you might think that regular Yakult, Soful, and the very popular Yakult 1000 would be fine, but they actually contain isomerized sugar.

For example, let's take a look at Yakult 1000, a popular drink for intestinal health. The ingredient list clearly lists it as high-fructose corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup. The sugar content of these is a whopping 14g. By gulping down just one small bottle, you'll be consuming roughly 60% of the WHO recommended daily sugar intake . If you were giving this to your child every morning, you'd be missing the point.

There was a time in the past when I drank these things because I thought they were good for my health. Not knowing is truly scary. So even if a food seems healthy at first glance, you have to carefully check the ingredients list on the back before deciding whether to put it in your mouth. Unless each individual is conscious and careful, it is almost impossible to avoid putting these things in your mouth these days.

Related article - 10 drinks that look healthy but actually require caution

By the way, there are many high-performance yogurts on the market. Most of them contain high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. Furthermore, commercially available yogurts that are sealed in their packaging unfortunately do not have any viable bacteria. The bacteria are inactivated by high-temperature sterilization.

Yogurt that truly contains live lactic acid bacteria cannot be sealed.

Check out our homemade soy milk yogurt ☝️

Even if I seal the enamel container tightly and put it in the fridge, whenever I open the fridge in the morning, the lid always pops open on its own, as you can see. 😂 At first I wondered who could have done it? Maybe my husband had opened it in the middle of the night and eaten it? But when healthy bacteria are still alive, they just push the lid open on their own!

Homemade yogurt is still the best.

100% Pesticide Free Rice! Live Lactic Acid Bacteria from Wild Koji Molds, Mygurt Freeze-dried 1g x 30 packets

Related article - How to make soy milk yogurt: The secret to making it without failure

Serious research results in Japan: Diabetes risk 1.7 times higher

Well, there are institutions in Japan that are researching artificial sweeteners.

A shocking study conducted by Associate Professor Sakurai Masaru of Kanazawa Medical University and his colleagues found that after a seven-year follow-up study of 2,037 employees at a metal product manufacturing company in Toyama Prefecture, those who drank more than one cup (237 ml) of diet soft drinks per week had a 1.7 times higher risk of developing diabetes than those who did not drink them.

This study completely shatters the myth that artificial sweeteners are safe because they have zero calories.

A destructive attack on the gut microbiome

A new study from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel has revealed the terrifying mechanisms that artificial sweeteners cause in our bodies.

It has been found that artificial sweeteners not only inhibit the activity of bacteria living in the human intestine, but also make it difficult to lower blood sugar levels after eating . The longer glucose remains in the blood, the higher the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease , so this is a direct path to illness!

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The fear of sweeteners that "trick" the brain

When the tongue senses sweetness, the brain predicts a rise in blood sugar levels and prepares to release insulin. However, with artificial sweeteners, although the sweetness signal is sent, blood sugar levels do not rise, which confuses the brain, stimulates appetite, and may lead to overeating.

Animal studies prove the weight gain paradox

A Brazilian study reported some surprising results.

Mice fed yogurt plus chow with saccharin and aspartame gained more weight than mice fed yogurt plus chow with sugar, although total calorie intake was similar between groups.

In short, these results point to the frightening fact that artificial sweeteners promote weight gain, even if they have the same calorie content .

Serious impact on pregnant women and children

The effects of artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup can even affect unborn children.

• Impact on pregnant women : Link reported to premature birth and allergic diseases in newborns
• Child obesity : High-fructose corn syrup may be more likely to cause obesity than sugar

America is moving away from high-fructose corn syrup

Corporate policy change

Since the 2004 study, concerns about high-fructose corn syrup have grown in the US, and many companies have switched from high-fructose corn syrup to sugar:

Examples of switching from high fructose corn syrup to sugar in the US:

• Starbucks Coffee : In 2009, they switched all sweet ingredients in their pastries to sugar.
• Other major companies also change their policies one after another

For example, don't be fooled by Starbucks' switch to sugar. This change is limited to the US . Keep in mind that in Japan, they still use isoglucose .

Yes, Starbucks lovers, Starbucks doesn't care about your health at all.

Declining consumption in the US

In the United States, the number of people avoiding these foods is already gradually increasing, and with major companies changing their policies, the number of people avoiding these foods is gradually beginning to decrease.

• 1970s: 46.2 kg of sugar, 0.2 kg of high fructose sugar
• 2000s: 28.9 kg of sugar, 29.8 kg of high-fructose corn syrup
• Current US consumption of high-fructose corn syrup is declining

Coca-Cola's clever strategy

However, it is said that there is actually an ulterior motive behind accepting President Trump's request this time.

This is because Coca-Cola wants to protect its prized products, such as diet cola, from stricter regulations .

It is said that the truth is that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was offered as a sacrifice. In other words, this "switch to sugar" is likely a clever strategy to divert attention from the more serious problem of artificial sweeteners.

In fact, the fastest growing product in the soft drink market right now is diet products containing artificial sweeteners, and companies really want to protect artificial sweeteners, which should be regulated.

Many people don't know that the situation in Japan is even more serious.

While concerns about high-fructose corn syrup are growing in the United States and consumption is declining, in Japan consumption of high-fructose corn syrup continues to increase year by year.

Currently, isomerized sugar accounts for approximately 40% of sugar demand in Japan, and consumption of isomerized sugar in fiscal year 2023 was 785,000 tons (an increase of 2.3% from the previous year), and is still on the rise.

This is an extremely worrying situation. In the United States, major food manufacturers such as Kraft Heinz and Hershey are switching from high-fructose corn syrup to sugar, citing the desire to provide safe food for children. However, major Japanese food manufacturers are taking advantage of the fact that information about the health risks of high-fructose corn syrup is not being adequately disseminated (advertisers control the media and never let the information reach the general public), and are continuing to expand the use of high-fructose corn syrup.

Related article: Why you should avoid caramel coloring, which you may be unknowingly consuming

Let's go back to real sweeteners!

Now that we know the dire risks of artificial sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup, the question arises: "So what should we choose?" Glucose has existed since the birth of the Earth, long before humans appeared, and our bodies run on glucose as fuel. It's impossible for us as humans to completely cut out sugar as we go through life.

The true sweetness given by nature

That's why we at Kokaiko Shoten offer a product lineup of wonderful sweets carefully selected from within Japan.

These are 100% pure, genuine brown sugar syrup and silken brown sugar , as well as raw honey from Japanese honeybees grown in the virgin forests at the southernmost tip of mainland Japan.None of these are chemically processed or additive-free, making them 100% natural sweeteners.

Genuine! 100% pure brown sugar syrup (molasses-containing brown sugar) 486g

Genuine! 100% pure silk brown sugar (pure brown sugar) 200g

Miracle domestic raw honey "The southernmost part of the mainland! Honey from virgin forests collected by Japanese honeybees" 450g bottle New product 2024

　　　　　

Why 100% pure, genuine brown sugar is superior to other sweeteners

1. Absolutely additive-free and safe. No artificial sweeteners or synthetic chemicals, or industrially processed products like isomerized sugar corn. Because it is made from concentrated sugarcane, it retains the minerals and nutritional value of nature.

2. Rich in minerals

• Calcium: Maintaining healthy bones and teeth
• Iron: Prevents anemia and relieves fatigue
• Potassium: Regulates blood pressure and reduces swelling
• Magnesium: Supports metabolic function and contains a wide variety of other micronutrients.

3. Gentle effect on blood sugar levels Compared to refined white sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, it suppresses the sudden rise in blood sugar levels and reduces the burden on the body.

4. Deep richness and natural sweetness. Completely different from the unnatural aftertaste of artificial sweeteners or the excessive sweetness of isomerized sugar, the deep and gentle sweetness elevates the flavor of your food.

5. The Amazing Health Benefits of Octacosanol Octacosanol, contained in pure brown sugar, is a naturally occurring compound found in the skin of sugarcane and is so effective that it is even used in medicine:

• Reduces stress and improves sleep quality : Reduces plasma corticosterone levels and significantly increases non-REM sleep time
• Improved athletic performance and fatigue recovery : Improved endurance, reaction time, forelimb grip strength and swimming endurance
• Improves lipid metabolism : Reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL)
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects : Suppresses oxidative stress and inflammation, and maintains the health of blood vessels and cells
• Medical applications : Used to treat Parkinson's disease, ALS, and arteriosclerosis

6. It contains more than 20 kinds of amino acids , especially aspartic acid, which promotes the breakdown of lactic acid, a fatigue-causing substance, and improves the efficiency of energy production by smoothly operating the TCA cycle.

7. Warming properties While white sugar and refined sugar are cooling foods, pure brown sugar is a warming food.

Related article - The health-changing power of brown sugar: The amazing effects of octacosanol and the blessings of nature

　　　　　The unknown charm and history of brown sugar and millet vinegar - Genuine pure brown sugar and millet vinegar are foods that promote longevity

Please join us!

Packed with the nutrients of brown rice! Joint Farm's Niigata Prefecture Koshihikari rice "Sweet like soybean flour! Eat as is Roasted rice bran flour" 150g

Grown in the earth of Makubetsu Town, Tokachi, Hokkaido! Pesticide-free, additive-free, sun-dried! "Azuki beans from Hirayaku-san's farm" 300g

　　　　　

The Mysterious Sweetener: The Miraculous Power of Japanese Honeybee Honey

Honey from Japanese honeybees is truly worthy of being called a "phantom sweetener." This honey is harvested in the pristine, remote environment of the virgin forests of Minami-Osumi Town, Kagoshima Prefecture, at the southernmost tip of the mainland. It has a mellow fragrance that makes you feel as if you have wandered into a flower field, and a clean, refined sweetness.

Japanese honeybees are fundamentally different from Western honeybees. As a native species that has been born and raised in Japan since ancient times, they fly freely from place to place and collect nectar from many different types of flowers. This means that rather than the nectar of a single flower, we can enjoy what is called "hundred-flower honey," which has a unique flavor that changes every time depending on the season, location, and climate.

1. Incredible nutritional value and health benefits: This honey contains over 150 nutrients, making it truly nature's "perfect food":

• Glucose and fructose (approximately 80%) : Monosaccharides that are quickly digested, put less strain on the stomach and intestines, and have an immediate effect on fatigue recovery.
• Essential amino acids : Contains all eight amino acids that cannot be produced by the human body and are essential for maintaining healthy muscles and organs
• Vitamins : B1, B2, B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid, biotin, etc.
• Minerals : potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, etc.
• Enzymes : Natural enzymes added by bees to nectar aid digestion and absorption, activating metabolism.
• Gluconic acid and oligosaccharides : Helps regulate the intestinal environment, improves constipation, and boosts immunity
• Polyphenols : Powerful antioxidant properties prevent aging and reduce metabolic syndrome

2. Superiority over sugar 

It's incredibly efficient, being 1.3 times sweeter than sugar yet 40% lower in calories. As a low GI food, it helps prevent sudden increases in blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of diabetes. Just one lick of it when you're catching a cold can help improve your physical condition, and it has been treasured as a "natural medicine" since ancient times.

3. Completely natural and safe 

It is completely natural, unheated, and additive-free, and contains no artificial sweeteners or chemical treatments such as high-fructose corn syrup. The bees break down the nectar with enzymes in their bodies, then evaporate the moisture with their whirlwind movements, concentrating and maturing it. It is truly a masterpiece created by the wisdom of nature.

4. How to enjoy bliss 

Of course, it's delicious to dip bread in it, but considering its rarity and high nutritional value, the most luxurious way to enjoy it is to scoop it up with a spoon and eat it directly. As you savor it while it slowly melts in your mouth, the scent of a wide variety of flowers passes through your nostrils, creating a blissful experience that is almost like taking a stroll through a primeval forest. It is a natural gift that modern people need most, providing the triple blessings of nutrition, health, and spiritual healing.

Miracle domestic raw honey "The southernmost part of the mainland! Honey from virgin forests collected by Japanese honeybees" 450g bottle New product 2024

Related Article - How to Identify Real Honey! Its Value and Surprising Effects

　　　　　Honey from Western honeybees and Japanese honeybees: their differences and rarity

Conclusion: Trump's demands expose the dark side of the sweetener industry

On the surface, President Trump's request to Coca-Cola appears to be a simple change from high fructose corn syrup to sugar, but behind it lies a warning about the serious health risks caused by artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup.

The WHO warnings, numerous studies, and expert opinion are all in irrefutable agreement. But would you still want to put these in your mouth?

Neither artificial sweeteners nor high-fructose corn syrup are safe sugar substitutes. It is important to know now that their health hazards, including carcinogenicity, increased risk of diabetes, disruption of the intestinal flora, and disruption of the metabolic system, are likely to be more serious than those of sugar.

What's particularly frightening is that these sweeteners have permeated every aspect of our lives, from soft drinks and condiments to sweets, toothpaste, and supplements, and the reality is that we are consuming large amounts of them without even realizing it.

We need to return to a diet that allows us to enjoy natural and diverse flavors, without being fooled by sweet words like "zero calories" and "naturally derived." President Trump's demands have inadvertently exposed the frightening truth about sweeteners that the food industry has continued to hide.

I always say:

Your body is made up of what you put in your mouth.

Your decision is the first step towards building a healthy future for your family.