Why is it better to eat a diet with a low glycemic index? How can I lower my glycemic index?
The glycemic index is used as an indicator of a particular food’s effect on the body’s glucose, or blood sugar level. Research has shown that high glycemic index foods tend to increase glucose levels. Also, an individual who eat foods with a high glycemic index generally has a higher level of body fat. As a result, the risk for heart disease, obesity, and diabetes increases. On the other hand, people who eat a diet of low glycemic index foods usually have less body fat and lower levels of blood glucose.
Types of Foods with High Glycemic Index
• Bread and other baked foods
• Rice
• Cereal
• Pasta
Types of Foods with Low Glycemic Index
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Legumes
Tips to Remember When Chooing Foods
• A list of foods with a low glycemic index can be found online.
• A nutritionist can help to choose a diet of foods with low glycemic index levels.
• Unprocessed foods generally have a lower glycemic index than refined foods.
• The combination of foods eaten together may affect the glycemic index.
• The composition of food, such as the level of fat or protein, may change the glycemic index.
• Foods may affect different people in different ways.
