Three reasons to eat low-GI foods
Australian’s are more informed than ever when it comes to making choices about what we’re eating. However, with all of the tricky dietary classification symbols and figures it’s easy to get confused about what exactly we’re eating. Phrases such as “refined sugar free” or “no added sugar” are quite self-explanatory, but one classification that stumps many people is “low GI”.
According to Sheila Zhou, expert Scientist from nutritional supplements and health manufacturer, USANA, low-GI foods are an incredibly significant food for our wellbeing.
“Many people don’t understand the significance of incorporating low-GI foods into their diet, but it’s an easy way to maintain good health and improve your blood glucose levels. As low-GI foods are digested slower, there are also numerous other significant health benefits that could significantly improve your quality of life.”
By definition, the glycemic index (GI) is a ranking given to food to tell you how quickly the carbohydrate in the food is broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. Low-GI foods are broken down and absorbed more slowly into the blood stream, and they result in a steady rise in blood sugar and insulin levels.
To help you understand why you should be consuming low-GI foods, Sheila Zhou shares her three top tips on their benefits.
1. They keep hunger at bay
As low-GI foods take longer to digest, they provide a continuous supply of energy from meal to meal, without the sharp rise and fall of blood glucose. It helps control hunger so that you won’t feel like eating all the time. To fully maximise the benefits of not over eating, space your meals evenly apart (ideally every three hours) throughout the day.
2. Help to keep blood sugar stable
If you’re looking for ways to keep your blood sugar levels stable, low-GI foods are a great option as they provide a slower, more sustained release of sugar into the bloodstream. A perfect low-GI snack is whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter.
3. They assist with heart health
Foods that are low GI often also include ingredients that assist with helping your heart function at optimum levels, such as omega 3 and unsaturated fats. By adding foods, such as berries and nuts, into your diet you are consuming antioxidants while maintaining a healthy balance of good fats in your body, therefore helping your heart.
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