Weight Loss & Nutrition Series #5

Not All Carbohydrates Are Equal: Understanding the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load

The glycemic index for diets and weight loss has become very popular over the years with the Atkins, Zone, South Beach and many other popular diet books being release in our society. There are so many questions about what are bad carbs and what are good carbs but sooner or later it can be explained by the glycemic index.

Glycemic Index for Weight Loss

The glycemic index rates how fast your carbohydrates are digested and absorbed that causes a rise in blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates that break down quickly have the highest glycemic indexes.

On the other hand, carbohydrates that break down slowly and release glucose gradually into your blood stream are low glycemic indexes.

Glycemic Load for Weight Loss

The glycemic load provides a better indication of food choices because it is based on the total carbohydrate of a typical serving of food. The glycemic load equals the glycemic index of a food multiplied by the carbohydrates content.

Health professionals help people with poor blood sugar control to strive to lower the glycemic load in their diets and eating healthy plans.

But why are certain foods like bread, rice, white potatoes, watermelon, carrots, raisins and other cereals are high glycemic while ice cream, beans and whole grains are not? This is because fiber, fat, protein and other things that slows down the digestive process.

Glycemic Index Aid Health

It has been shown that people who eat low glycemic foods have better blood sugar levels and lower blood cholesterol. Eating rich diet foods that increase blood sugar levels are being linked to obesity, diabetes II, heart disease, and even colon and breast cancer.

For more information on weight loss, nutrition, and the glycemic index just go to top weight loss site and educate yourself to achieve your goals.

Have a great day and God bless!