What Is the Meaning of Low Glycemic?

The glycemic index (GI) measures the speed at which specific foods raise your blood glucose levels. It identifies foods which will raise your blood sugar quickly and also identifies foods which are processed more slowly within the body and therefore keep your blood sugar levels steady over a longer period of time.

Low Glycemic Facts

• According to the Official Glycemic Index Web site, foods with a low glycemic index are digested and absorbed into your body slowly. Low GI foods have a gradual impact on blood sugar levels.

Benefits

• According to GlycemicIndex.com, low GI foods can help improve your cholesterol levels, manage your weight, reduce the risk of heart disease, keep you fuller for longer periods of time and improve your diabetes management.

Definition

• Low GI foods are foods with a glycemic index lower than 55. Foods are usually listed along with each glycemic index value. One serving of low-fat ice cream, for example, is low with a GI of 50. One serving of rice cakes, however, has a GI of 77.

Examples

• Low glycemic index foods include broccoli, artichokes, peanuts, low-fat yogurt, barley, yams, bananas, cauliflower, eggplant, chickpeas and macaroni.

Diet

• Switching to a low glycemic index diet is as simple as replacing high GI carbohydrates, such as white bread (with a GI of 71) for low GI foods such as multi-grain bread (with a GI of 48).