What is the Glycemic Index, and what are its benefits?
Not all carbohydrate foods are created equal, in fact they behave quite differently in our bodies. The glycemic index (GI) describes this difference by ranking carbohydrates according to their effect on our blood glucose levels. Some people with diabetes use the glycemic index as a guide in selecting foods – especially carbohydrates – for meal planning. Foods with a high glycemic-index value tend to raise your blood sugar faster and higher than do foods with a lower value. However, low-index foods aren’t necessarily healthier than high-index foods. Eating mainly low GI carbs that slowly trickle glucose into your blood stream keeps your energy levels balanced and means you will feel fuller for longer between meals. Because of this, low GI diets help people lose weight by controlling their appetite, and decreasing satiety. Low GI carbs are said to also decrease the risk of heart disease, and reduce cholesterol levels.
Not all carbohydrate foods are created equal, in fact they behave quite differently in our bodies. The glycemic index (GI) describes this difference by ranking carbohydrates according to their effect on our blood glucose levels. Some people with diabetes use the glycemic index as a guide in selecting foods – especially carbohydrates – for meal planning. Foods with a high glycemic-index value tend to raise your blood sugar faster and higher than do foods with a lower value. However, low-index foods aren’t necessarily healthier than high-index foods. Eating mainly low GI carbs that slowly trickle glucose into your blood stream keeps your energy levels balanced and means you will feel fuller for longer between meals. Because of this, low GI diets help people lose weight by controlling their appetite, and decreasing satiety. Low GI carbs are said to also decrease the risk of heart disease, and reduce cholesterol levels. It also improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin, and reduces blood
