Foods With a Low Glycemic Level

Foods with low glycemic level or "Glycemic Index" are generally those that fall below 55 on the Glycemic Index Foundation's scale and corresponding charts, according to the Foundation's website. The Glycemic Index reflects the Foundation's rankings of carbohydrates based on their overall effect on blood glucose levels. Foods with a low glycemic level help keep your energy levels and blood glucose levels more balanced, help you feel fuller longer after eating and can be beneficial in losing weight.

Yogurt

• Yogurt is beneficial and healthy, and has a GI of only 14.

  Yogurt (sweetened, low-fat) carries a Glycemic Index of 14. Yogurt is a healthful food that is touted as beneficial in helping maintain optimum digestion with live probiotic bacteria. Yogurt also contains vitamins B5 and B12, as well as phosphorous, iodine, potassium, riboflavin and zinc.

Peanuts

• The lowly peanut is a healthful food with a GI of only 15.

  Peanuts carry a Glycemic Index of only 15. Peanuts are full of beneficial nutrients including protein, vitamin B3, manganese, copper, tryptophan and folate. Peanuts are also a great source of one of the "good fats" (monounsaturated), often associated with good heart health.

Cucumber

• Cucumbers are beneficial to health, and have a GI of 15.

  Cucumbers carry a Glycemic Index of 15. Cucumbers are laden with beneficial nutrients including calcium, phosphorous, potassium, iron, vitamins A and C and some B-group vitamins. Plus, cucumbers contain a lot of thirst-quenching water and dietary fiber, magnesium, molybdenum and tryptophan.

Whole Milk (cow's)

• Milk is a leading food, with a GI of 27.

  Whole (cow's) milk carries a Glycemic Index of 27. Milk is a healthful food loaded with nutrients including calcium, protein, potassium, phosphorous, niacin and vitamins A, B2, B12 and D. Milk is perhaps one of nature's leading foods, providing a broad spectrum of nutritional needs.