GLYCEMIC INDEX: WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

The glycemic index is a way of measuring the rate at which carbohydrates are broken down and appear in the blood as simple sugars. Those foods that result in a rapid rise in blood sugar have a high-glycemic index. Carbohydrates that are broken down slowly and cause only a moderate increase in blood sugar have a low-glycemic index. Some carbohydrates fall in between.

High-glycemic foods provide quick energy, but it is usually short lived and hunger soon returns. Low-glycemic foods provide greater satiety and sustained energy, which makes eating less and losing weight easier.

High-glycemic diets also have been linked to obesity, type II diabetes, insulin resistance, and heart disease. Virtually all convenience foods and many meal replacement and diet products on the market today are unfortunately, high glycemic.3

Eating a lot of high GI foods can be detrimental to your health because it pushes your body to extremes. This is especially true if you are overweight and sedentary. Switching to 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.


* Low GI diets help people lose and control weight
* Low GI diets increase the body's sensitivity to insulin
* Low GI carbs improve diabetes control
* Low GI carbs reduce the risk of heart disease
* Low GI carbs reduce blood cholesterol levels
* Low GI carbs can help you manage the symptoms of PCOS
* Low GI carbs reduce hunger and keep you fuller for longer
* Low GI carbs prolong physical endurance
* High GI carbs help re-fuel carbohydrate stores after exercise