Is honey better than sugar? What about brown rice syrup, maple syrup, or evaporated cane juice? Surely these all must be better options than high fructose corn syrup, right? The answer to that question is very complicated and controversial, but as this article from the New York Times points out, you need to be careful with ALL forms of added sugar in your diet.

I personally avoid high fructose corn syrup even though the research on the dangers of this chemically created sweeter is inconclusive. Even if scientists have not definitively linked HFCS to any more health issues than regular sugar, I feel that its presence in a food item is indicative of other low-quality ingredients that have little nutritional value. A granola bar filled with HFCS is not likely to contain a significant amount of fiber, protein, or healthy fats.

The point I want to stress here is that just because something claims it is natural, organic, or wholesome does not mean that you can eat it in unlimited amounts! Watch your added sugar intake; even natural sweeteners add extra calories and have an effect on your blood sugar (and consequently, your energy) levels!