If you aren’t in the medical profession, you probably do not get what the glycemic index chart represents. All you know is that familiarizing yourself with it is supposedly healthy for you.
Don’t consider the glycemic index chart a big, threatening beast – it can be a great thing, and really help you and your health, so step back and be willing to learn!
The Numbers
The first thing you will notice about the are a list of food alongside their number scores ranging from zero to a hundred.
These numbers actually represent the way the food is digested or processed in the body, particularly with respect to how fast blood sugar is released in our systems.
A smaller score means that your body will process the food at a slower rate, therefore releasing the energy at a steadier pace. This is what you should aim for, particularly if you are afflicted with diabetes.
Reading the numbers takes some work, but understanding them is simple. With the majority of charts, a number lower than 55 means that it is considered low. Between 55-70 is a middle range, and above 70 is considered high.
What you will notice though is that you will not see the food items listed separately, but instead they will be rated based on their type of food. And although glycemic index charts will vary, they are basically similar in concept.
Low Scores
People who idly glance at the glycemic index chart would be confused on many levels. After all, who would have guessed that a Snickers bar ranks in the 40′s, but a bagel will hit you in the 70′s?
But a second glance of this item will show that Snicker’s are filled with peanuts. Thus, the combination of protein with the chocolate has an overall effect of slowing down the processing of the entire bar in our bodies.
This is the loophole of the glycemic index. If you eat something that’s high on the index, you should eat it with protein. So add some peanut butter to that toast, and don’t hesitate to eat a tuna sandwich.
This is why some foods may seem oddly ranked to you. If you didn’t know better, it could seem like it was simply a listing of random numbers!
Knowledge is Power
Knowing about the glycemic index chart is extremely helpful regardless of whether you are diagnosed with diabetes or you are of normal health.
Do not be oblivious to the glycemic index chart and these numbers, because they will really help you achieve a healthier diet and lifestyle.
