Is sugar necessary / beneficial in a healthy diet?

[Prof_Don]

Sugar seems to be highly demonized...and I'm just wondering what people think about consuming sugar.

What health benefits does sugar have compared to other types of carbohydrates?

Please vote and elaborate as much as you like.

Thanks for your input. :)

Sugar, in certain circumstances, IS good for you

Sugar should ALWAYS be replaced with complex carbs for good health

[TedStar]

We all need carbs. It's just that we injest more carbs (specifically simple carbs) than is required for our bodies which in turn is converted to adipose which can become a risk factor for disease especially heart disease

[martyfellow]

Sugar is onderful and essential for life. But too much of a good thing...

[c7777]

Carbohydrates are sugars so I'm not sure what your getting at...sugars is just the simple name for it

[Prof_Don]

im talking about sucrose / fructose / lactose / dextrose...the simplest of the simple carbohydrates, if you want to get technical. :-P

[c7777]

There not necessary.. Complex and simple sugars all get broken down to the same thing execpt fiber which passes right through. So might as well get sources of complex carbs which generally are healthier and can help in weight loss. So there's no need for simple sugars like table sugar

[c7777]

Only thing good about simple sugars is for excercise so you can take simple sugaors and get faster aid to you glycolitic energy system. That's the whole idea behind sports drinks. They have simple sugars to boost that glycolitic energy system