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Health and Well Being Newsletter myVitality > Newsletter > March 2005 - The Glycaemic Index (GI) of foods
MarchHealth and Well Being Newsletter
The Glycaemic Index (GI) of foods The Glycaemic Index (GI) of foods
What does glycaemic index really mean?
The GI of foods is a measure of the carbohydrates in foods. It indicates their ability to raise your blood sugar level. The index is ranked between 0-100. Pure glucose has an index of 100 and all other foods are ranked against this.

Foods with a high GI (70-100)
These contain carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion, giving a rapid and short-lived hit of glucose to the bloodstream. EG: potatoes, white rice, sugar, white bread, dried fruit, lollies.

Foods with a low GI (55 or less)
These contain carbohydrates that break down slowly and release glucose gradually into the bloodstream. EG: nuts, apple, pear, beans, berries, grains.

Why are low GI foods better for you?
These foods give your body a sustained release of glucose. This helps maintain your energy rather than only giving you a quick burst. It also eases pressure on your pancreas which is responsible for secreting the insulin which controls the rate that glucose enters the bloodstream.

  
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