YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health Autumn 2019 | Page 4

DEMYSTIFYING THE
GLYCAEMIC INDEX
This article will help you
understand the glycaemic index
of foods and how it impacts
your health.
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arbohydrate is an essential
part of our diets, found in a
variety of foods such as fruits,
vegetables, grains, cereals and dairy
products. Our body breaks down
carbohydrates from food into a simple
sugar called glucose, which has been
recognised as an important source of
fuel for our body, especially our brain.
However, not all carbohydrate foods
are equal. with a higher GI value raise blood
glucose more rapidly. This gives you a
quick burst of energy, but can be
followed by a crash that leaves you
feeling hungry again. Foods with a
lower GI take longer to digest, so keep
you feeling fuller for longer. Following a
low GI diet can help you manage your
weight, help to stabilise blood sugar,
and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes,
heart disease and some cancers.
The glycaemic index (GI) is a scale that
rates carbohydrate foods from 0 to
100, based on how slowly or quickly
they affect blood glucose levels. Foods Low GI foods: 55 or less
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YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2019
Medium GI foods: 56 to 69
High GI foods: 70 or more.