Glycemic Index
By
Dr. Narinder Saini M.D.
Pick up any popular diet book written in the last
20 years, and you'll probably find a section on
the Glycemic Index in there somewhere. Books such
as The Adkins Diet and The Zone Diet all promote
the idea that foods with a high glycemic index raise
blood sugar levels. In theory, these foods cause
large amounts of insulin to be secreted, leave you
feeling hungry, and make it more difficult to lose
fat.
Foods that lead to a rapid rise in blood sugar
levels are known as high glycemic index foods.
Foods that lead to a slower rise in blood sugar
levels are said to have a low glycemic index.
Although it's very popular, the glycemic index
— just like any tool — has some limitations.
Some argue that the glycemic index concept makes
a diet more complicated than it needs to be. This,
of course, is a matter of opinion. Following any
kind of diet requires discipline. Some people
will find it relatively easy to make the required
changes to the food they eat. Others will decide
that it's simply too much hassle.
As with any diet, it's also very easy to deviate
from the plan. People who cheat a little today
usually cheat a little more tomorrow. Then, it’s
only a matter of time before every "rule"
has been broken and they're right back at square
one.Ultimately, diet based on the glycemic index
alone probably won't deliver the results you want.
That said, using it is better than not using it.
If you're having a hard time trying to figure
out how to lower the glycemic index , here are
two simple ways to do it.
1.Add vinegar or lemon juice to your meal. Studies
show that a few teaspoons of vinegar added to
a meal lowers the glycemic index by 20-40% .Vinegar
also helps to lower the insulin response to a
starchy meal, possibly by slowing the rate at
which the meal leaves your stomach.
2. Including fresh fruits and vegetables in a
meal also lowers the glycemic index .The glycemic
index is not the only, nor the most important,
criterion by which to judge a food. Using the
glycemic index is a step in the right direction
for anyone wanting to improve the quality of their
diet
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