Thursday, November 5, 2009

ABOUT LOW GI


WHAT IS THE GLYCEMIC INDEX (GI)?

The glycemic index is a scale that rates carbohydrate foods on how quickly they raise blood glucose/sugar levels after eating.
Foods that are high GI are are digested and absorbed quickly which results in fluctuations in blood glucose/sugar levels.
Foods that are low GI are digested and absorbed at a slower rate and therefore result in a gradual rise in blood glucose/sugar levels.

WHY FOLLOW A LOW GI DIET?

Eating foods that are Low GI has been shown to improve the blood glucose/sugar levels of people suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It also assists in weight loss and weight control as low GI foods control appetite and delay feelings of hunger.
The slow releasing of energy provided by low GI foods also reduces the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses that are related the high blood glucose/sugar fluctuations.

FOODS THAT HAVE LOW GI

Examples of foods that have a low GI are:
  • multi-grain bread
  • low-fat milk and yoghurt
  • sweet potato
  • legumes
  • most fruits
  • pasta
Examples of foods that have a high GI are:
  • white bread
  • jelly lollies
  • potato
  • sugar
Remember, just because a food has a low GI does not mean you should gorge yourself on it. The same applies for restricting high GI foods. Everything in moderation.

For more advice on low GI foods, low GI recipes and products visit Healthy Food For Life.

Win one of 10 Go Natural Showbags!


For your chance to win a Go Natural showbag, tell us in 25 words or less what is your favourite Go Natural product and why?

Each showbag will contain 10 Go Natural bars: Almond & Apricot Bar, Fruit & Nut Delight Bar, Popcorn Apple Apricot & Banana Bar, Popcorn Apple Sultana & Cranberry Bar, Nut Delight Bar, Macadamia & Apricot Bar, Almond & Cashew Bar, Macadamia & Hazelnut Bar, Superfood Brazil Walnut & Date Bar, and Superfood Almond Hazelnut & Cranberry Bar. All bars are gluten free!

Entries close 30th November so enter today!

For terms & conditions, please visit Healthy Food For Life.