Low glycemic index diet — sources, health benefits at NaturalPedia.com

Low glycemic index diet is originally conceptualized and designed for patients suffering from diabetes, a BBC Good Food article reveals. According to the article, the diet plan is meant to monitor and keep the patients’ blood sugar levels under control. The entry further explains that glycemic index (GI) is the measure of the rate at which glucose is being metabolized in the body. The metabolism speed and the amount at which it increases blood sugar levels are measured on a GI scale. A Huffington Post article adds that the index is scored on a scale of 100, with 100 being pure glucose.

According to the entry, high GI foods are broken down quickly into glucose and commonly get a score of over 70. In contrast, low GI foods are slow to break down and usually get a score of less than 55. Low GI foods have slower energy release rates, making them ideal in preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. A previous study has also shown that a low GI diet should have a calorie breakdown of 40 percent from carbohydrates, 40 percent from fats and 20 percent from protein.

Benefits of low glycemic index diet

Following a low GI diet may effectively reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, according to a Best Health Magazine article. The online entry stresses that eating low-fiber, high GI foods may double the risk of having the metabolic condition. However, a study of nearly 43,000 men has shown that adopting a low-GI diet may lower the odds by up to 42 percent. Another study has demonstrated that the diet plan’s beneficial weight loss effects may also cut the risk of developing insulin resistance and subsequent diabetes by up to 58 percent.

Following a low GI diet is also beneficial to the cardiovascular profile. Health experts have long established that persistently high blood sugar levels may increase the risk of heart attack by nearly threefold. However, eating low GI foods — such as like oatmeal and whole-wheat pasta — may reduce the likelihood of suffering a heart attack by up to 29 percent. Consuming low GI foods may also relax the arterial walls and curb inflammation by up to 63 percent. The powerful anti-inflammatory effects of the low GI diet also prove to be beneficial on the body’s overall immunity.

Food items typically found in low glycemic index diet

An article posted on the Body and Soul website lists a number of low GI foods, which include:

• Kidney beans
• Baked beans
• Chickpeas
• Sweet potato
• Low-fat milk
• Yogurt
• Apples
• Oranges
• Pasta
• Whole grain bread
• Whole grain cereals
• Oats

Body systems supported by low glycemic index diet

Following a low GI diet is particularly beneficial to the digestive tract. The diet plan may also effectively maintain optimal heart health. Likewise, low GI diet may fortify the body’s overall immunity.

Where to learn more

• Cut asthma symptoms in half in just two months when you eat right and exercise, study finds
• Want to get off those diabetes meds? Research shows a diet high in protein and good fats but low in carbs helps manage the disease
• How I cured diabetes in five steps, and why one-third of U.S. adults will have diabetes by 2050
• Glycemic Index And Glycemic Load: Should You Ever Worry About Them?
• Low GI foods may improve eating habits for type-2 diabetes sufferers
• Study finds people with type 2 diabetes and obesity have lower vitamin C levels

Summary

Low glycemic index diet cuts the risk of developing insulin resistance and subsequent diabetes.

Low glycemic index diet may reduce the likelihood of heart attack, arterial constriction and inflammation.

Low glycemic index diet effectively boosts weight loss and overall immunity.

Low glycemic index diet is particularly beneficial to the digestive system.

Low glycemic index diet effectively maintains a healthy cardiovascular profile.

Low glycemic index diet helps fortify the immune system.

Sources include:

BBCGoodFood.com

HuffingtonPost.com

BestHealthMag.ca

BodyAndSoul.com.au