A Beginner’s Guide to the Low-Glycemic Diet

The low-glycemic (low-GI) diet is based on the concept of the glycemic index (GI).

Studies have shown that the low-GI diet may result in weight loss, reduce blood sugar levels and lower the risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

However, the way it ranks foods has been criticized for being unreliable and failing to reflect their overall healthiness.

This article provides a detailed review of the low-GI diet, including what it is, how to follow it and its benefits and drawbacks.

What Is the Glycemic Index?

Carbohydrates are found in breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables and dairy products, and they are an essential part of a healthy diet.

When you eat any type of carbohydrate, your digestive system breaks it down into simple sugars that enter the bloodstream.

Not all carbohydrates are the same, as different types have unique effects on blood sugar.

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure that ranks foods according to their effect on your blood sugar levels. It was created in the early 1980s by Dr. David Jenkins, a Canadian professor.

The rates at which different foods raise blood sugar levels are ranked in comparison with the absorption of 50 grams of pure glucose, which is used as a reference food and has a GI value of 100.

The following are the three GI ratings:

• Low: 55 or less
• Medium: 56–69
• High: 70 or more

Foods with a low-GI value are the preferred choice, as they are slowly digested and absorbed, causing a slower and smaller rise in blood sugar levels.

On the other hand, foods with a high GI value should be limited since they are quickly digested and absorbed, resulting in a rapid rise and fall of blood sugar levels.

It is important to note that foods are only assigned a GI value if they contain carbohydrates. Hence, foods containing no carbs, such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, herbs and spices, won’t be found on GI lists.

SUMMARY:The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking system that classifies carb-containing foods by their effect on blood sugar levels. It was created in the early 1980s by Dr. David Jenkins.

Source: Click by Daisy Coyle