The Sugar Glycemic Index
The sugar glycemic index – the GI or glycemic index is a way to measure the ranks of certain foods and how much they can affect the body’s blood sugar levels. Foods that rank more than 79 can cause fast absorption that may elevate the level of blood glucose. Foods with low GI value, on the other hand, are absorbed by the body slowly, thus preventing the blood sugar levels from spiking.
At the top of the glycemic index list is pure sugar glycemic index with a rank of 100. The glycemic index is actually developed for those who are suffering from diabetes. This is because these people need to maintain a steady level of insulin and blood sugar in their body. However, various researches have shown that anyone can actually benefit from a diet with low GI foods. Avoiding foods with high GI value can help you maintain a healthier and more energetic lifestyle.
Foods with a GI score of more than 70 can trigger a rapid spike in the levels of blood sugar. This quick increase is usually followed by a crash back done, thus causing lethargy and hunger. When you feel hungry, the tendency for you to eat again is high and this can cause weight gain. These hunger pangs are often due to the body’s feeling of satiety. Take note that the levels of blood sugar determine the body’s hunger and fullness.
Foods with GI values lower than that of the sugar glycemic index are considered moderate and low. Including these foods in your diet can help you maintain a steady level of blood sucrose, thus preventing crashes. However, aside from the sugar glycemic index, it is also important that you are aware of its glycemic load, as well as that of other foods. The glycemic load can further quantify the GI ranked, based not only on the food’s intrinsic quality, but also on the portion of the food consumed.
Even if you consume foods with a GI value that is almost equivalent to the sugar glycemic index, there are techniques that you can do to reduce the odds that can cause crash. Consuming foods with high protein content can help reduce the GI value of foods. This combination can reduce the risk of rapid absorption of sugar in the blood. Foods that score lower than sugar glycemic often include majority of vegetables. Aside from that, you can also include bran, chocolate milk, peanuts and fettuccini in your diet. Food choices with moderate GI value include shortbread, angel food cake, white rice, corn chips and raisins. Foods scoring more than 70 and the ones that reach the value of sugar glycemic index should be avoided. These foods should include baguettes, dates, broad beans, cornflakes, parsnips and watermelon.
The glycemic index chart that is based on the sugar glycemic index is an effective tool for those with diabetes, those who are suffering from obesity, those who want to lose weight and those who want to maintain a normal weight. The GI chart is very easy to understand and using this as the basis of your diet should not limit your food options. Aside from that, it would be more effective if you can combine it with regular exercise.


