Carb Addiction! (Expanded post).

We have been giving a little thought to why there is seemingly so much resistance in the medical and nutrition communities to the notion of sugar and refined carbs being a major factor in progressive physical and mental degeneration. There is a rather obvious answer to this question which doesn't seem to been sufficiently discussed. Like so many areas where logical analysis seems to be ignored by one group or another, it is worthwhile considering the personal and self-interest angles, though this always feels uncomfortable. But here are some propositions:

1) Medical doctors and associated nutrition experts and policy makers are inclined to ignore the theory and supporting evidence around sugar and carbs because they themselves cannot bear the thought of giving them up -- which would be the inescapable conclusion if they allowed themselves to accept these ideas.

2) Doctors and scientists are more likely than the general population to grow up priding themselves on their intellect, possibly in exclusion of their physical capabilities; this is natural because it is seen as their competitive advantage. Many have also experienced achieving great success (careerwise at least) by focusing on their mental achievements and ignoring the physical side as far as diet and exercise. As they age any mental decline they are aware of is a) expected- everyone knows that mathematicians typically do their best work before they are X yrs old- usually 40 is quoted b) to some extent compensated for by increased knowledge and experience. A tendency develops, and we were under the same possible delusion, that the brain and body are independent systems that can be successful independently and decline through time 'naturally'. A much more natural hypothesis is that brain health and efficiency and body health and efficiency are intertwined. Progressive degeneration of one system -- resulting from a lifetime of sugar and carbs -- is mirrored in the other. This is a very disturbing possibility for those who have grown up focused on their mental muscle and the advantages it brings them.

But who can blame them. A brief search of the internet, a visit to a bookstore, or a stroll down through a city neighborhood exposes the impressive energy and effort being poured into increasing their appeal of desserts through the perfect balance of sugar, salt and fat. Looking back say 20 years, it seems inescapable that there has been a dramatic increase in variety, quality and ubiquity of tantalizing pastries and desserts, aided of course by the internet and the associated foodie culture. If a brewing company introduced an extra-high alcohol content beer, there would undoubtedly be a certain amount of outcry over the dangers of abuse, at least in some populations.  But apparently carbohydrates and sugar are still held to a very different standard.

Here are some people lining up for 100 varieties of pie in Little Rock, AK and some other
examples of products humans managed to live without for many thousands of years:

http://www.seriouseats.com/2011/07/this-week-at-serious-eats-world-headquarters-20110729-slideshow.html#show-176604

And there are artists who just do cakes and donuts etc...  is it meant to be ironic? Or is it a way of feeding the addiction, heightening the intensity in between snacks?

And then there is the cupcake proliferation:


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And from the Research Labs, the innovation continues around the clock...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0811876373/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cakespycom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399377&creativeASIN=0811876373

And whatever side of the culture wars -- Red State, Blue State or something else -- there is a place in the high carb universe for you:

It isn't enough to try to argue the medical science, and the statistics; this appears to be a full-fledged society level addiction which needs to be confronted head-on.  There are significant economic forces at work here, just like on the pharmaceutical and agribusiness side of the battle .