How important is the glycemic index or glycemic load?
Dr. Jones: The current consensus is that low glycemic index and low glycemic load diets provide no advantage over calorie reduction for weight control.17 However, there is some emerging science suggestÂing that balancing the glycemic load of the diet may influence some parameters associated with metabolic syndrome in susceptible individuals. I think there may be some benefit to balancing the glycemic load at meals, but it is not yet clear what this means or how to do it. BIHW: Does high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is used in the U.S. to sweeten many foods and beverages, including soft drinks, uniquely contribute to metabolic syndrome? Dr. Jones: There is no clinical research to support that suggestion. High-fructose corn syrup has almost the same chemical composition as table sugar. In normal-weight individuals who generally have good dietary habits, reasonable use of HFCS, or table sugar for that matter, is not a problem. Even diabetics are allowed some carbohydrates or sugar in
