There's an interesting article on the dangers of sugar. You can read it here from online magazine Salon. It basically lays out the argument about why you should avoid sugar. As with most articles, you have to take it with a grain of salt (sugar?), but I think the basic information is valid. There's no nutritional value whatsoever to sugar. It's empty calories and not just that, there are actual effects from sugar that can be detrimental to your health.
Here's an excerpt:
Even if that was the case, we’re eating too much sugar. Or, more specifically, too much added sugar. Sugars that are naturally present in whole foods like fruit are okay; it’s the sugar added to whole foods that we must worry about. Previously, the World Health Organization said we should limit consumption of added sugars to 10 percent of calories. Even then, more than seven in 10 Americans ate too much sugar. On average, about 15 percent of our calories came from added sugars.But now WHO is considering cutting its recommendation in half. That means limiting sugar consumption to five teaspoons, the amount found in half a can of soda. The American Heart Association has long recommended that women limit added sugars to six teaspoons and men stick with nine or less. (For those looking for a loophole, this means all added sugars, including so-called healthier sweeteners like maple syrup, agave, honey, or even fruit juice.)
I noticed a major shift when I was on the modified fast (and off sugar). I felt great, had lots of energy and my skin looked amazing. Once I got off the diet and my bad habits started again I felt all those negative effects once more. My skin wasn't as clear, I was tired all the time and quite often I would fall into a depression. I'm sure there are other reasons behind a lot of this, but I believe a significant amount was due to the excess sugar in my diet.
I am going back on the modified fast for a few weeks to try to kick the sugar habit (again). I'll start posting regularly to keep you updated. Wish my luck!
