Is it necessary to eat sugar?

Inventive1 · 10-11-2009, 06:14 PM

I got into an discussion with a girl over whether people need sugar in their diets. This discussion started after one of our friends told us they are allergic to sugar. (They have quit adding any sweeteners to foods)

Her basic argument is that people need sugar, honey, or other sweeteners in order to be healthy. She said that sugar is essential to avoid loosing excessive body weight.

I said that fruits, vegetables, and perhaps other food groups naturally contain sugar. This sugar is all that is necessary for health.

So, is sugar a necessary component of the human diet? Are there any risks in avoiding added sugars?

**Built** · 10-11-2009, 06:22 PM

There are no essential carbohydrates. Nobody needs sugar in any form to survive.

That being said, it's damned tasty.

Please be clear that there are many types of sugar and they all have different effects in the body, okay? The sugar in fruit and the sugar on your table have, for the most part, the same split between glucose and fructose.

And it's not possible to have an allergy to sugar. You can have trouble digesting it or metabolizing it though.

**CowPimp** · 10-12-2009, 11:45 AM

The only one of the macronutrients that is considered essential, at least by the RDA, is protein.

danzik17 · 10-12-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowPimp

The only one of the macronutrients that is considered essential, at least by the RDA, is protein.

For normal endocrine and joint function you do need fats though - why do we care what the outdated RDA says?

Hahzist · 10-12-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Built

There are no essential carbohydrates. Nobody needs sugar in any form to survive.

That is false. The body, especially the brain needs sugar to survive and work properly.

You don't need to add table sugar to your meals or drink fruit juice but you do need it in some form or another. Carbs of all complexities break down into sugar, even whole wheat pasta, beans, and things like that. There really is no avoiding it but the answer is yes, you do need to have some intake of sugar.

m11 · 10-12-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hahzist

That is false. The body, especially the brain needs sugar to survive and work properly.

You don't need to add table sugar to your meals or drink fruit juice but you do need it in some form or another. Carbs of all complexities break down into sugar, even whole wheat pasta, beans, and things like that. There really is no avoiding it but the answer is yes, you do need to have some intake of sugar.

Would you like to be more specific on why "the body" requires carbohydrates?

The brain would be just fine using ketones.

**Built** · 10-12-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Built

There are no essential carbohydrates. Nobody needs sugar in any form to survive.

That being said, it's damned tasty.

Please be clear that there are many types of sugar and they all have different effects in the body, okay? The sugar in fruit and the sugar on your table have, for the most part, the same split between glucose and fructose.

And it's not possible to have an allergy to sugar. You can have trouble digesting it or metabolizing it though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hahzist

That is false. The body, especially the brain needs sugar to survive and work properly.

You don't need to add table sugar to your meals or drink fruit juice but you do need it in some form or another. Carbs of all complexities break down into sugar, even whole wheat pasta, beans, and things like that. There really is no avoiding it but the answer is yes, you do need to have some intake of sugar.

Actually, you're right about parts of the brain needing sugar; glucose specifically. I can't recall where other than retinal tissue, but there is a need for a tiny bit of sugar - and it really is a tiny amount, something like 5 grams.

Your body is capable of making this glucose from protein and or from fat. There is never a need to consume carbohydrate in any form in order for the brain to have an adequate supply of glucose.

Quote:

Originally Posted by m11

Would you like to be more specific on why "the body" requires carbohydrates?

The brain would be just fine using ketones.

Indeed. In fact, ketones have demonstrated benefits for a number of neurological problems, such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's.

m11 · 10-12-2009, 02:01 PM

Hahzist, here's a nice, concise passage on what happens when you deprive yourself of sugar and the gluconeogenesis that follows. Famine response - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Towards the end, it goes into gluconeogenesis from amino acids. The article assumes malnutrition, but this state can be avoided by maintaining a positive nitrogen balance through adequate protein intake. Positive N balance in conjunction with heavy resistance training will basically keep this from happening for the most part.

**calalily1972** · 10-12-2009, 03:28 PM

Yeah I agree with Built and m11. With gluconeogenesis there is zero necessity to eat any forms of sugar. Now everyone is different and some people can quickly adapt where others can't.

**Built** · 10-12-2009, 03:39 PM

And let me re-state: I'm not saying "nobody eat any carbs anymore!!!" mkay? Just sayin' your body does not require any dietary carbohydrate, ever, to function properly.

**calalily1972** · 10-12-2009, 04:29 PM

I agree with Built. Personally for me I can only withstand ketosis for a couple days. The times that I did try longer I was always tired and weak. Plus I love carb ups too much

**Built** · 10-12-2009, 04:32 PM

I think I asked you this, but what macros did you run when you tried ketogenic dieting, calalilly?

**calalily1972** · 10-12-2009, 04:35 PM

Oh this was so long ago I don't remember. Kept my fat and protein high. I should try it again and see how different it would be now that I'm not lifting bodybuilding style.

T_man · 10-12-2009, 04:47 PM

What about insulin?
Is the protein consumed enough to stimulate a good enough insulin response from the body?

**CowPimp** · 10-13-2009, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzik17

For normal endocrine and joint function you do need fats though - why do we care what the outdated RDA says?

I'm not saying it's healthy to consume no fat. I advocate a substantial amount of fat in the diet. My point is you can live without consuming it as far as I can tell. I thought we were merely speaking hypothetically here?

**calalily1972** · 10-13-2009, 01:13 PM

linolenic and linoleic acid are essential fatty acids and are needed.

KenEm · 10-13-2009, 01:15 PM

In short: no.

m11 · 10-13-2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenEm

In short: no.

Haha, well said.

**calalily1972** · 10-13-2009, 01:24 PM

They are needed for cell and tissue as well as brain and eye function. Its not essential to take them in supplement form as they are found in most foods.

T_man · 10-14-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calalily1972

They are needed for cell and tissue as well as brain and eye function. Its not essential to take them in supplement form as they are found in most foods.

But they still classed as fat amiright?

sara · 10-15-2009, 05:36 AM

I gotta have my bag of donuts every morning

**Built** · 10-15-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowPimp

I'm not saying it's healthy to consume no fat. I advocate a substantial amount of fat in the diet. My point is you can live without consuming it as far as I can tell. I thought we were merely speaking hypothetically here?

There's a reason why essential fatty acids are called "essential": your body cannot make them under any circumstances. Like essential amino acids, they must be consumed from food (or supplements, which are still food for that matter).

**CowPimp** · 10-15-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Built

There's a reason why essential fatty acids are called "essential": your body cannot make them under any circumstances. Like essential amino acids, they must be consumed from food (or supplements, which are still food for that matter).

I realize this. I was under the impression that it is necessary to intake EFAs for good health, but not necessarily to sustain life. Protein on the other hand, if not consumed in sufficient quantities, can certainly lead to death in the long term.

**Built** · 10-15-2009, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowPimp

I realize this. I was under the impression that it is necessary to intake EFAs for good health, but not necessarily to sustain life. Protein on the other hand, if not consumed in sufficient quantities, can certainly lead to death in the long term.

No, you DON'T realize this. "Essential" MEANS "you cannot live without it".

EFAs are ESSENTIAL fatty acids. This doesn't mean "important for good health" - this means "essential to sustain life". Without an intake of EFAs, you won't just be unhealthy - you'll die.

**calalily1972** · 10-15-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T_man

But they still classed as fat amiright?

Yes they are. Omega 3 and 6. Essential fatty acids. As I and Built said you can find them in many foods.

danzik17 · 10-15-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calalily1972

linolenic and linoleic acid are essential fatty acids and are needed.

In what quantities? I can't name one food that I eat that would contain any significant amounts of linolenic acid in my current diet and I don't think I'm dead yet

**Built** · 10-16-2009, 01:34 AM

Walnuts, canola oil, olive oil...

**calalily1972** · 10-16-2009, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Built

Walnuts, canola oil, olive oil...

Flax? To add, fish, chicken, rice, oats, most green veggies etc. Nuts in general, (especially raw, which I could be considered at hypocrite because I don't like raw nuts sans raw cashews, don't hate me Built

) IMO, have the best qualities of n6. Fish has the best for n3's (again, just my opinion).

BTW - how you been? Things going good for you? I know I haven't been around a lot but I still think about my online friends!

**IainDaniel** · 10-16-2009, 07:37 AM

Any animal that lives off the land has EFA's Reason to buy Free-range animals

**Built** · 10-16-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calalily1972

Flax? To add, fish, chicken, rice, oats, most green veggies etc. Nuts in general, (especially raw, which I could be considered at hypocrite because I don't like raw nuts sans raw cashews, don't hate me Built

) IMO, have the best qualities of n6. Fish has the best for n3's (again, just my opinion).

BTW - how you been? Things going good for you? I know I haven't been around a lot but I still think about my online friends!

I didn't mention flax since I figured he wasn't eating it (not many do anymore, I think), but most folks here eat olive oil and raw nuts of some sort, and I was looking for food items with alpha linolenic he was likely to be eating.

Raw cashews are to DIE for! And I finally got used to raw almonds, although it took a bit.

Good to see you again!

10-11-2009, 06:14 PM	#1
Inventive1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: WV Posts: 3	Is it necessary to eat sugar? I got into an discussion with a girl over whether people need sugar in their diets. This discussion started after one of our friends told us they are allergic to sugar. (They have quit adding any sweeteners to foods) Her basic argument is that people need sugar, honey, or other sweeteners in order to be healthy. She said that sugar is essential to avoid loosing excessive body weight. I said that fruits, vegetables, and perhaps other food groups naturally contain sugar. This sugar is all that is necessary for health. So, is sugar a necessary component of the human diet? Are there any risks in avoiding added sugars?

10-11-2009, 06:22 PM	#2
Built Bioidentical Bodybuilder Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: . Posts: 6,109	There are no essential carbohydrates. Nobody needs sugar in any form to survive. That being said, it's damned tasty. Please be clear that there are many types of sugar and they all have different effects in the body, okay? The sugar in fruit and the sugar on your table have, for the most part, the same split between glucose and fructose. And it's not possible to have an allergy to sugar. You can have trouble digesting it or metabolizing it though. Wondering where to start? Confused? This will get you started. Daredevils are Shredded Find out why... (Now you can find out why... in Hebrew!) UD2.Built - My UD2.0 setup.

10-12-2009, 11:45 AM	#3
CowPimp Fueled by Testosterone Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 15,615	The only one of the macronutrients that is considered essential, at least by the RDA, is protein. The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing... Belligerent Bovine badass YouTube Videos

10-12-2009, 02:01 PM	#8
m11 www.liftstrong.com Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: FL Posts: 857	Hahzist, here's a nice, concise passage on what happens when you deprive yourself of sugar and the gluconeogenesis that follows. Famine response - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Towards the end, it goes into gluconeogenesis from amino acids. The article assumes malnutrition, but this state can be avoided by maintaining a positive nitrogen balance through adequate protein intake. Positive N balance in conjunction with heavy resistance training will basically keep this from happening for the most part. Getting Started by Built LG Sciences Board Representative These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, do not constitute medical advice, and are not official or authorized comments by LG Sciences, LLC.

10-12-2009, 03:39 PM	#10
Built Bioidentical Bodybuilder Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: . Posts: 6,109	And let me re-state: I'm not saying "nobody eat any carbs anymore!!!" mkay? Just sayin' your body does not require any dietary carbohydrate, ever, to function properly. Wondering where to start? Confused? This will get you started. Daredevils are Shredded Find out why... (Now you can find out why... in Hebrew!) UD2.Built - My UD2.0 setup.

10-12-2009, 03:28 PM	#9
calalily1972 Moderator Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 22,438 Photos: 1	Yeah I agree with Built and m11. With gluconeogenesis there is zero necessity to eat any forms of sugar. Now everyone is different and some people can quickly adapt where others can't.

10-12-2009, 04:29 PM	#11
calalily1972 Moderator Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 22,438 Photos: 1	I agree with Built. Personally for me I can only withstand ketosis for a couple days. The times that I did try longer I was always tired and weak. Plus I love carb ups too much

10-12-2009, 04:32 PM	#12
Built Bioidentical Bodybuilder Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: . Posts: 6,109	I think I asked you this, but what macros did you run when you tried ketogenic dieting, calalilly? Wondering where to start? Confused? This will get you started. Daredevils are Shredded Find out why... (Now you can find out why... in Hebrew!) UD2.Built - My UD2.0 setup.

10-12-2009, 04:35 PM	#13
calalily1972 Moderator Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 22,438 Photos: 1	Oh this was so long ago I don't remember. Kept my fat and protein high. I should try it again and see how different it would be now that I'm not lifting bodybuilding style.

10-12-2009, 04:47 PM	#14
T_man Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Leeds, England Posts: 1,244 Photos: 1	What about insulin? Is the protein consumed enough to stimulate a good enough insulin response from the body? Cheat on your girlfriend, not on your meal.

10-13-2009, 01:13 PM	#16
calalily1972 Moderator Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 22,438 Photos: 1	linolenic and linoleic acid are essential fatty acids and are needed.

10-13-2009, 01:15 PM	#17
KenEm Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA Posts: 29	In short: no.

10-13-2009, 01:24 PM	#19
calalily1972 Moderator Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 22,438 Photos: 1	They are needed for cell and tissue as well as brain and eye function. Its not essential to take them in supplement form as they are found in most foods.

10-15-2009, 05:36 AM	#21
sara INK NOT MINK Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Earth Posts: 7,005 Photos: 5	I gotta have my bag of donuts every morning

10-16-2009, 01:34 AM	#27
Built Bioidentical Bodybuilder Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: . Posts: 6,109	Walnuts, canola oil, olive oil... Wondering where to start? Confused? This will get you started. Daredevils are Shredded Find out why... (Now you can find out why... in Hebrew!) UD2.Built - My UD2.0 setup.

10-16-2009, 07:37 AM	#29
IainDaniel My Role Model Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 17,545	Any animal that lives off the land has EFA's Reason to buy Free-range animals Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

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