Glycemic Index for Foods

Glycemic Index Glycemic index show us the impact specific foods have on our blood sugar. The glycemic index for foods shows us which foods we should eat to keep our blood sugar at a normal level. The highest ranking number is one hundred and it drops from there. Foods with lower glycemic numbers are those that stay in your body longer and they help prevent a sugar high and then a crash. Candy bars have a low glycemic index and carrots have a high one. So judging by what we just said, you would think carrots should not be on your list of foods to eat, but of course carrots are still the better choice in this case.

The glycemic index for foods shows which foods are lower glycemic foods and a diet of only these types of foods will help you lose weight. However it is suggested you check with your doctor before embarking on a diet of only low glycemic foods. Every food we eat has a glycemic index and depending on that food, will cause our glycemic index to rise quickly or slowly. Even though carrots are a high glycemic food it takes more carrots than we typically eat to raise insulin levels.




Foods with low glycemic index include vegetables, fruits, whole grain pastas, low-fat ice cream and occasionally a candy bar. When looking for the glycemic index for foods it is best to find those that are unprocessed foods. Foods that are considered low glycemic load foods are eaten closer to their raw form. Foods such as french fries, refined cereals, soft drinks and white bread are mostly highly processed food and subsequently their glycemic score is very high. On the other hand, foods such as barley, bran, brown rice, oatmeal, whole-grain cereals and whole fruits are low glycemic index foods.

Not all carbohydrate foods behave the same way in our bodies. The glycemic index for foods describes the ranking of carbohydrates according to their effect on our glucose levels. It is suggested we choose low glycemic index carbohydrates which produce low fluctuations in our blood glucose and insulin levels. By making this choice we are reducing our risk of heart disease, diabetes and weight gain.

Our choices within the glycemic index for foods has a great impact on our bodies and it is very important to watch what we eat. Diabetes is a disease that many people have to live with every day. Low glycemic index foods assist these people in the management of this sometime deadly disease.

So if you are looking to achieve the right nutritional balance in your meal plans it’s a good idea to create your own glycemic index for foods. This list should include low-glycemic impact foods, unrefined complex carbohydrates and lean protein along with healthy fats and snacks. Increasing your fiber intake and limiting you sugar intake to simple sugars will also help you to achieve stable blood sugars and avoid hunger. Another benefit of glycemic index for foods is finding you have more energy.