What is a Glycemic Index Diet?

When you decide to follow a glycemic index diet you have to have a list of foods that you can and cannot eat. There are both high and low glycemic foods. The glycemic index is a ranking of the carbohydrates in foods that cause a marked increase in blood sugar levels after you eat them. Foods that have a glycemic rating of 70 and over are considered high glycemic foods because they are rapidly digested and absorbed by the body. This they cause the blood sugar level to rise dramatically. They are usually used to replenish the fuel muscles need after strenuous exercise.

Diabetics usually follow low glycemic index diet, especially if their blood sugar levels are really high. These foods usually have a glycemic index of 55 or less and because they take longer for the body to digest they also take longer to raise the blood sugar level. This kind of diet has been proven to improve both the glucose and lipid levels of diabetics. This diet can also help with weight loss because the foods are usually more filling and you won’t get hungry as quickly.

A low glycemic index diet will help to reduce insulin levels and the body’s resistance to insulin. You should always have foods that have a low glycemic index in your diet because they help you to have better long-term health. You don’t have to eat only low glycemic foods because you can simply substitute one high glycemic food, such as potatoes, with a low glycemic food, such as pasta.

Following the glycemic index for a glycemic index diet will not provide you with a well-balanced diet. Such a diet will help you to lose weight, but you should alternate the foods so that you do have some high glycemic foods in order for your body to get all the essential nutrients it needs.

Ben is the owner/administrator of Low GI Diet Guide. A website about the Glycemic Index Diet.