What is the glycemic index (GI)?
The glycemic index (GI) refers to the way sugar-rich foods are digested in the body; it depends on how different foods are absorbed and the combinations of foods ingested together. Watch endocrinologist Reza Yavari, MD, explain glycemic index.
Transcript
Root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, have a high glycemic index.
But if they are consumed with other items, their glycemic index improves. [UPBEAT MUSIC]
Glycemic index refers to how a food rich in sugar that we consume is digested in our blood,
if you wish, or is digested in our body. For example, for the same amount of sugar--
let's say, in one orange, as in the equivalent amount of it as orange juice--
the two food items, the juice versus the whole fruit, would have different glycemic index patterns.
Because the juice is absorbed very quickly, it has a quick rise in the blood and a quick drop.
But the fruit, the pulp in the fruit makes the absorption of blood sugar a little slower. Glycemic index also changes from person to person and from time
to time, depending on how they consume their food intake. For that reason, it has been somewhat controversial.
However, there is more and more clinical data available that glycemic index is a good parameter
to choose the type of foods that we choose to eat if we have diabetes. Another example of the use of glycemic index
is to compare foods that have the same amount of sugar but consumed with other items.
For example, if you have a glass of orange juice alone, the glycemic index in the body is different
than if you have the same amount of juice with, let's say, a yogurt or some almonds. So a different combination of foods
can affect the glycemic index in the body. As far as starches go, we know, for example,
that root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, have a high glycemic index.
But if they are consumed with other items, their glycemic index improves. So when consuming root vegetables or natural starches.
It is important to keep in mind to have other items with them if you have diabetes.
diabetes
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