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What are GI foods?

Updated: 11/8/2022
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10y ago

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The glycemic index (GI) is used to determine what type of carbohydrates you eat.

The GI is important because your body performs best when your blood sugar is kept relatively constant. When blood sugar drops too low, you become listless or experience increased hunger. If it goes too high, your brain signals your pancreas to secrete more insulin. Although insulin will bring your blood sugar back down, it does so primarily by converting the excess sugar to stored fat.

Being aware of the GI and glycemic load (GL) of certain foods can help you control your glycemic response. The GI is a numerical index that ranks carbohydrates based on their rate of glycemic response, or their conversion to glucose within the human body. The Index uses a scale of 0 to 100, with higher values given to foods that cause the most rapid rise in blood sugar. Pure glucose is the reference point and has a GI value of 100.

A low-carb diet is not necessarily required to burn fat, although it can be useful in some circumstances. You are better off eating the right kinds of carbohydrates at the right time. Your body depends on carbohydrates as a primary fuel source (especially during intense workouts).

Another way to control your GI is to also control your GL. Glycemic load can be controlled by the type and amount of carbohydrates you consume. So, GI and GL work together to control your glycemic response. A food with a high GI can still be a good choice if it has a low GL.

GI's of 55 or below are considered low, and 70 or above are considered high. GL's of 10 or below are considered low and 20 or above are considered high.

Here are a few foods which all have a low GL:

Peanuts 14 (GI), (GL) 2

Bean sprouts 25, 1

Grapefruit 25, 3

Pizza 30, 13

Low-fat yogurt 33, 16

Apples 38, 6

Spaghetti 42, 16

Carrots 47, 2

Oranges 48, 6

Bananas 52, 14

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Related questions

How do you keep a low GI diet?

by not eating high GI foods


What types of food are in a low GI diet?

Foods that are in a low GI diet are foods that generally cause a slow and low rise in blood glucose levels. These foods also are all carbohydrates. Porrage, Apples, and sweet potatoes are all examples of foods that have a low GI,


Why are low GI foods better than high GI foods?

A low GI diet is much better for you because the food digests slowly. This is good to maintain your weight and even to lose weight because it keeps you fuller for longer. :D


What does it mean that a food has a High GI?

High GI gives a quick rush of glucose that then drops off just as quick as low GI. Low GI foods tend to provide a longer feeling of fullness while High GI gives it suddenly and then drops just as quick as the low GI so low GI is much better.


What should you avoid when preparing a low GI diet?

The GI diet is a very safe diet because it offers great healthy foods without causing you to crash diet. You just need to avoid faty, sugar, and oily foods when using this diet.


What foods should one try while in Korea?

Not K-go-gi!( Sp?) that's dog


What are the three foods macromolecules digest in the GI tract?

CHO (Carbohydrate) PRO (protein) and FAT (fat)


Are there any vegetarian low gi diet recipes?

There are many websites available that have recipes for vegetarian low gi diet foods. Amazon also sells a books, one being called The New Glucose Revolution Low GI Vegetarian Cookbooks.


When is it best to eat low glycemic foods?

All throughout the day so that you have sustainable energy, but NOT before bed. I heard that you should have High GI foods of you eat before bed Becasue you don't want energy while you sleep... Becasue you won't be able to sleep. Not sure if that's correct but you should aim for Low GI foods most of the time.


What kinds of sugary foods are included in a low GI diet?

You can still enjoy occasional sugary foods, but there are also recipes that are for people with a high glycemic index. These include drinks, meals and desserts.


How is corn affect in diabetic?

Diabetics have to be very careful and monitor their sugar intake. Some foods are higher in sugar, which is measured by the glycemic index (GI). Sweet corn is medium on the GI list while popcorn is high.


Why must the digestive tract be free of foods during an upper gi series?

so the food wont show up in the x-rays