Glycaemic Index
Posted By admin on May 20, 2013
What?! Have I eve consumed it?
Undoubtedly beer.
So is it a question of “high-GI bad, low-GI good”?
No. Everything from ripeness and the way it is processed, to its fat and protein content and how much it is chewed, can affect the real GI of a food. For example, processed, instant oatmeal has a higher GI than traditional rolled oats. To confuse matters further, the combination of foods on your plate can compromise the GI rating of each. As a general rule, the more low-GI foods you use in a meal, the lower its overall rating – but not always. Adding coconut oil, you can lower the GI level of the foods you eat. This oil also helps for losing weight. Read about coconut oil weight loss recipes.
Are there any other anomalies I should know about?
Alas, plenty. Classic health foods such as rice cakes, vegetables such as broad beans and tropical fruits like watermelon all have unexpectedly high GI ratings. Fruits from temperate climes however, like apples, are lower. Dark chocolate is low as it contains fat, which slows carbohydrate absorption. For the same reason peanuts and full-fat yoghurt are low GI – but that’s not an excuse to eat lots of them.
So what if I’m not fat? (Which I’m not)
There are proven health benefits for slim people, too. Low-GI foods are the kind nutritionists have been banging on about for decades. If you’re putting on weight “centrally” (doctor speak for beer gut) then listen up. Abdominal fat can be an early indicator of high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol balance. According to the BDA, you can combat this with a low-GI diet and regular exercise…
And what if I’m fit? (Which I am. Very)
It still applies, even to you. Knowledge of GI can be very useful to athletes. “Low-GI foods such as pasta are great carbohydrate loading before a sports event.” the BDA confir “High-GI foods (like a glucose drink) provide fast-release carbohydrates, quickly replacing glucose in the bloodstream after an event.”
GI says don’t eat Honey roasted parsnips with a side order of mash, Plus seven pints of beer.
GI says do eat Porridge, broccoli, nuts and dark chocolate -just not necessarily at the same time.