The Case Against Sugar by Gary Taubes

Gary Taubes is one of the most vocal critics of the over-consumption of sugar in the United States. His book The Case Against Sugar is a scathing indictment against the sweet, white death of the modern diet. In it, Taubes builds a devastating case against sugar, drawing on a wide range of research to prove that this beloved substance has significant links to a microbial nightmarish range of medical conditions.

Taubes begins his book by summarizing the current scientific consensus on sugar consumption and its importance in the development of Type 2 diabetes. In essence, he breaks down the data to demonstrate why consuming sugar in abundance is directly related to this increasingly significant health problem. He also eloquently explains the links between sugar intake and obesity--a rising epidemic in the United States--stating that sugar doesn’t simply make people fat; consuming too much of it unleashes a cascade of metabolic derangements that leads to weight gain.

Next, Taubes goes on to offer a detailed look at the history of sugar consumption in America, covering a wide array of topics such as the American taste for sugar, the politics of sugar, and the rise of the “soft-drink culture”. He also examines the role that “bad science” has played in giving us a false impression of the health risks associated with high-sugar diets. In particular, he point to the “sugar industry” and its influence over the medical industry and its inability to properly address the issues that have arisen from excessive sugar consumption. He further argues that our nation’s overindulgence of sweeter food and beverages has led to a lack of nutritional self-awareness, which has had perilous consequences for our collective health.

In the second half of his book, The Case Against Sugar, Taubes explores the science behind sugar addiction and its detrimental effects on brain chemistry. He reviews in great detail the physical and psychological impact of sugar on the brain, and its tendency to lead to cravings and reward-seeking behaviors. He also offers a hopeful perspective on sugar addiction, explaining the many small changes that one might make in order to slowly wean themselves off the sweet stuff. He gives specific advice on how to slowly reduce one’s sugar intake, and how to incorporate exercise into their life to counter the inevitable withdrawals.

The Case Against Sugar is a splendidly researched, witty and engaging account of a growing epidemic in America. Taubes provides a unique and informative take on an issue that affects us all, and his book is essential reading for anyone striving to make better choices in their dietary choices. By exploring the historical, cultural and scientific implications of excessive sugar consumption, Taubes has created a powerful and convincing case against the harmful sweetener. He makes it very clear that sugar is no longer just a harmless indulgence, but a very real threat to our collective health and should be used (if at all) with great caution.