A Low Glycemic Lifestyle has been shown to have many benefits. But so much of the information about the Glycemic Index and advantages of a Low Glycemic Lifestyle is overly technical--here's a simple explanation of what the Glycemic Index is and why it matters.
What is the Glycemic Index?
The Glycemic Index (or GI) measures the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar. During digestion, some carbohydrates are broken down rapidly and release glucose into the bloodstream quickly. These are "high GI" foods. Other carbohydrates break down slowly and release glucose into the bloodstream gradually. These are "low GI" foods.
Why Does the Glycemic Index Matter?
The GI matters because of the response our bodies have when we eat high GI food. When we eat food with a high Glycemic Index, our blood sugar rises rapidly. Our bodies produce insulin to counteract the spike, which makes our blood sugar drop. When our blood sugar drops, we feel hungry again and often crave another high glycemic food to counteract the blood sugar drop.
In contrast, when we eat low glycemic foods, the carbohydrates are broken down more gradually and released into our bloodstream at a slow, steady rate. Our blood sugar rises but does not spike rapidly. Insulin is still produced to counteract the rise, but it does not cause a crash. We do not get hungry again as quickly and when we do, we don't crave the high glycemic foods.
Not to mention, low GI foods are usually healthier in general! Low GI foods include most vegetables and fruits, as well as whole grains. The same foods our moms and doctors tell us we should eat more of!
High GI foods could include most processed foods and foods that might fit into the category of "junk food." It's the stuff we know isn't really good for us but love to eat anyway.
Benjamin J. Marshall is a recovering sugar addict who has experienced the advantages of a Low Glycemic Lifestyle personally. Weight loss, more energy, and improved health in general are some of the benefits he has seen. Get more information about a Low Glycemic Lifestyle and follow Benjamin's personal journey to adopt a Low Glycemic Lifestyle at http://www.LowGlycemicLifestyle.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benjamin_J._Marshall
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Glycemic Index of Honey and Sugar
Understanding the Glycemic Index of honey and sugar could help you better watch your daily sugar consumption. Do you know how much sugar are you taking today? Table sugar (chemist calls it “sucrose”) which is made from two simple sugars called glucose and fructose, is being processed into so many foods such as cereals, bread, mayonnaise, jam, peanut butter, and ketchup.
glycemic index resource
The Glycemic Index which is assigned to each food, measures how much a given food affects blood-glucose levels. The lower the rating, the slower the absorption and digestion process, which means a more gradual and healthier infusion of sugars into the bloodstream, whereas, a high rating means that blood-glucose levels are increased quickly, and the pancreas are stimulated to release insulin to keep blood-sugar at a constant and safe level, and this inhibits the release of growth hormones, which in turn depresses the immune system. An influx of sugar into the bloodstream not only upsets the body's blood-sugar balance, the insulin secreted also promotes the storage of fat and weight gain which has been linked to obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables tend to be absorbed more slowly, lessening the impact on blood-sugar levels, and hence form an important part of the diet of those who are trying to lose weight.
Glycemic index is of special significance to diabetic people, but also has important health implications for people in general. Low GI diets have been reported to lead to improved insulin responses and blood cholesterol level. Studies show that honey is low on the glycemic index and therefore provides a long, steady source of energy.
Now here is the Glycemic Index of honey and sugar:
Honey's Glycemic Index: 55
Sucrose's Glycemic Index: 61
And watch what you eat.
Source: www.benefits-of-honey.com/glycemic-index-of-honey.html
R. Tan is the owner of the website benefits-of-honey.com which is a rich honey resource community specially built for all the honey lovers and fans in this world. She has packed this website with a wide range of quality contents on honey based on her knowledge and experience with honey, so as to promote its invaluable benefits which she believes could bring many positive spin-offs in everyone's daily life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Tan
glycemic index resource
The Glycemic Index which is assigned to each food, measures how much a given food affects blood-glucose levels. The lower the rating, the slower the absorption and digestion process, which means a more gradual and healthier infusion of sugars into the bloodstream, whereas, a high rating means that blood-glucose levels are increased quickly, and the pancreas are stimulated to release insulin to keep blood-sugar at a constant and safe level, and this inhibits the release of growth hormones, which in turn depresses the immune system. An influx of sugar into the bloodstream not only upsets the body's blood-sugar balance, the insulin secreted also promotes the storage of fat and weight gain which has been linked to obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables tend to be absorbed more slowly, lessening the impact on blood-sugar levels, and hence form an important part of the diet of those who are trying to lose weight.
Glycemic index is of special significance to diabetic people, but also has important health implications for people in general. Low GI diets have been reported to lead to improved insulin responses and blood cholesterol level. Studies show that honey is low on the glycemic index and therefore provides a long, steady source of energy.
Now here is the Glycemic Index of honey and sugar:
Honey's Glycemic Index: 55
Sucrose's Glycemic Index: 61
And watch what you eat.
Source: www.benefits-of-honey.com/glycemic-index-of-honey.html
R. Tan is the owner of the website benefits-of-honey.com which is a rich honey resource community specially built for all the honey lovers and fans in this world. She has packed this website with a wide range of quality contents on honey based on her knowledge and experience with honey, so as to promote its invaluable benefits which she believes could bring many positive spin-offs in everyone's daily life.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Tan
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