Glycemic Index Food -- What Is It?

Glycemic index (GI) foods are those that are given a number correspond to how they break down in the system and their relation to blood glucose levels. Most of the glycemic index foods that are good for people to eat are those that we all know are good to eat and will keep our weight down. They include fatty fish, legumes, vegetables and whole grains. These foods take longer to absorb into the system and provide better nutrition. They also do not raise blood glucose levels as foods that are absorbed quickly into the system such as those that are high in the blood glucose index.

If you want to lose weight, one way to do so is to eat GI foods. These foods, because they take longer to be absorbed into the blood stream and the body, provide nutrients in the body and do not cause fat. Low glycemic index foods are good for anyone who is watching their weight or on a diabetic diet.

You can find out about glycemic index foods by going online or getting a book that gives you the GI number for each of the foods. Foods that are low in the index will be assigned lower number, generally 55 or under. Foods that are high in this index should be avoided when you are on a diet, are assigned a higher number. Those with the highest numbers are best to be avoided. By putting numbers on the foods, it makes it easier for someone to understand which foods are better than others. It is similar to how we rate foods based on calorie content.

Anyone can find out about the foods as well as where they stand on the GI by getting a list. This can easily be downloaded online or you can purchase a list in the store. You can then use the list to know which foods to eat and which to avoid.

The glycemic index foods are all foods that rank on the GI and consist mostly of carbohydrates, both simple and complex. Many people avoid carbohydrates altogether because they are confused as to how this index works. By understanding the glycemic index and the foods associated with it, you can then have a better understanding of which foods you need to eat when you are on a diet.

When you are on a diet, for weight loss or for sugar, it is always a good idea to avoid any foods that are high in sugars, such as simple carbohydrates.
by:  Adam Rise -- http://www.articlecity.com/articles/health/article_12058.shtml