Critical review of the book “Unlove sugar”. Part 1 / Prophylactic self-isolation series. Day 267th.

I have read the book “Unlove sugar”

My posts related to how I was trying to go out of sugar are these:

Keeping the gate between sugar and date

Am I addicted to sugar? Yes / Prophylactic self-isolation series. Day 179th.

A week without SUGAR / Prophylactic self-isolation series. Day 186th.

I have read the book “Unlove sugar” by REX BONDS (a pen name) because the publisher of the book asked me to write a feedback on it. So, the el. copy was provided to me.

I wrote my kind response on amazon.com and each word there is true. Yes, it is a very good character to see the good things in anything, and I do:)

My review of the book “Unlove sugar” on amazon.com:

I have already read some literature on sugar addiction – but this one is special. Once you get known with the scientific background in regards sugar addiction, the author provides a clear way to take action and detox yourself. The author teaches how to train body and mind to unlove sugar in a very professional, but at the same time, easy to read way. I was fully concentrated on reading and perceiving the message.

Although there were no clear statement about the author’s profession, I was sure he will be a guy from the sports, a trainer (and as I found out later, he is). Because only sport trainers have this special power and energy to motivate so strongly that you cannot resist and you make an Impossible.

More so, I am ready to start the program described in this book in a few days. The clear instructions are given on how to accomplish the sugar detox program – this type of explanation I have not get anywhere before.

The recipes are included, that is very commendable. Even at this stage the author seems to be with you, guide you and direct to the proper way. There are recipes for any taste preferences, including vegetarian and vegan dishes. I also liked chapter summaries which give the main points to focus on.

I would say this book is relevant for perceiving the culture of food in XXI century in general and helping to step out of junk eating.

What are my concerns about?

Despite all the warm words said, as a pharmacist and a chemist, I need to stress on some inaccuracy found while reading. This is important because the reader who is not familiar with the topic may receive awry message. Although I have provided all my comments to the publisher in a written form, I feel the need to write about it on my blog before the second edition of the book will appear (if at all will appear).

I will provide my comments in two parts. Today is a day for part 1.

Professional review of the book “Unlove sugar”. Part 1.

Text in the book	My comment
About alcohol	There is the statement in the text telling that an average person rarely drinks alcoholic drinks to the point of addiction. In my opinion, such a statement sounds like a promotion for alcoholism. More so, wine contains huge amounts of sugar, and may be the trigger for sugar addicts. In fact such a statement objects the aim of the book – to unlove sugar.
About safety of soy products	I could agree that organic soy crops may be a healthy choice. Just looking at the nations where soy was (is) used within centuries as a traditional food. However, if the book’s reader is from USA or Europe – the message could be understood incorrectly. Because food culture in USA and Europe is oriented towards consumption of soy PRODUCTS. So, when one reads “soy”, he/she thinks about “soy product”, rarely about soy beans. Naturally, soy contains phytoestrogens – the substance which is similar to natural female hormone estrogen. Soy PRODUCTS like soy meat, soy protein powders, etc. are highly processed products, in which the concentration of this substance increases many times. Processed soy products, if consumed in high amounts or daily could increase the concentrations of estrogen-like substances in a body. As a result, in a man’s body it could cause a mess in hormones, lowers testosterone level, could provoke mastopathy, etc. In postmenopausal women it could provoke breast cancer, while in reproductive age women could provoke infertility. It is generally not recommended for children because their hormonal system is still under the development. In general, it should be stressed that consumption of soy PRODUCTS should be limited. The preference should be given to home-made dishes from organic whole soy beans (as according to the traditions of China, Japan) or minimally processed soy, such as tofu or tempeh. In moderate amount, of course.
About dried fruits	The author states dry fruits are food to avoid because they are “packed with sugar”. Later in the text the author refers to the glycemic index (GI) of different foods. So, why not to write it for dried fruits too? The situation would be much clearer. I checked the GI of dried fruits. Generally, GI 70–100 is considered as high, 55–70 as moderate, and GI belowI50 is low. GI of dried fruits: prunes 29, dates 46-55; raisins 55. Again, within the bounds of common sense, in moderate amounts, dried fruits could not be ignored.
About peanuts	The author recommends not to consume peanuts. In fact, he/she repeats the “well-known truth” which any common human would tell you, because it is everywhere on internet: “peanuts are not nuts, they are legumes”. So, where is the danger? In legumes? Later in the next the legumes are offered as a good choice. Nothing is wrong with the legumes, and the question of peanuts to avoid remains open in this book. The statement to avoid peanuts could be referred to aflatoxins (naturally occurring toxins in nuts under improper storage), or their high concentration of omega 6 (there should be a balance between omega 3 and omega 6 in a body). In case when omega 6 takes prevalence – the balance could be destroyed leading to mental disorders, etc), etc., etc. … The “mystery” of peanuts was not revealed in this book.
About fruit juice and juice drink	Does the author mean to avoid fruit juice in packages or home-made fruit juices? There were no clear statement. Because there is a big difference between packed juiced and freshly home-made juice. Packed juices contain preservatives, color additives, synthetic vitamins and minerals, juice concentrates from unknown fruit sources, etc. more so, the synthetic package itself – usually plastic. While fresh home-made juices are just juices of fruits (a kind of healthy choice if taken in moderate amounts).
BPA, MSG	What are BPA and MSG? The terms were not explained leaving a reader without knowledge. BPA is Bisphenol A. it is a synthetic compound usually added to plastic products to improve the properties of the plastic. However, it is already known as a hormonal disturber, causing various chronic health condition such as heart disease, diabetes and liver failure, infertility. It lingers in the body. It is also anticipated to be a human carcinogen in the breast and prostate due to its tumor promoting properties. MSG is monosodium glutamate. It is a common food additive, a food enhancer which generally is recognized as safe. However, there is an evidence that excessive glutamate causes excessive stimulation of nerve cells in the brain (neurotoxin).

The link where you may buy and read the original book is here:

Unlove Sugar: The Fastest & Easiest Way To Detox & Eliminate Sugar In Only 10 Days To Lose Weight And Burn Fat (Updated Version)

To be continued next Friday, December 11, 2020, in rubrics “Al’chemist on Fridays”

The conclusions drawn and the assessment of the health benefits/risks are restricted to information appearing in the scientific literature