GLYCAEMIC INDEX
By Wendy, Lavinia, Shailin, Lana and Delia
What does Glymaemic Index mean?
The Glycaemic Index or GI is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates that break down rapidly during digestion release glucose quickly into the bloodstream. The body breaks down most carbohydrates from the foods we eat and transforms them to a type of sugar called ‘glucose’. The Glycaemic index measures how fast and how much a food raises blood glucose levels. Foods with higher index values raise blood sugar more promptly than foods with lower Glycaemic index values do.
Why might it be important for teenagers to learn about Glycaemic Index?
Glycaemic index affects the body when the blood glucose levels increase, causing the pancreas to release more insulin. Because there is a large amount of insulin being distributed this means that blood glucose levels decrease rapidly. It is extremely important for teens to be educated on glycaemic index because they might be showing signs of diabetes, hypoglycaemia without knowing. The faster it is recognised the faster it can be prevented.
What does Lo Gi and Hi Gi mean, Provide some examples of different types of both food
Hi Gi and Lo Gi stand for, High Glycaemic Index and Low Glycaemic Index. When food is considered High Gi this means it is broken down quickly when digesting and as a result releases glucose into the blood stream at a faster rate than Low Gi foods, they also have a Gi value of 70 or more. Low Gi foods are foods that are broken down slowly when digesting releasing glucose into the blood stream gradually, these foods have a Gi value of 55 or less.
LOW GI FOODS
- Full cream milk
- Yogurt
- cereals such as Bran, Muesli, and Oats
- Fruit Bread
- Sweet Potato
- Sushi
- Beans
- Canned fruit and Fruit juices
- Popcorn
- Strawberry jam
- Weet Bix
- Coco Pops
- Corn Flakes
- Fruit Loops
- White Rice
- All Pasta
- Muffins
- Melon
- Broad beans
- Tofu
- Energy and Sport Drinks