Understanding the Glycemic Index

We hear about it all the time - high glycemic foods and low glycemic foods...  But what do these terms mean?  And which one is good for you?

The glycemic index (GI)measures  the rate at which certain carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels.  Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream have a high GI; carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI. 

So, you want to eat more foods that have a low GI.  These foods release glucose more gradually and thus you have more sustained energy for a longer period of time.

To better understand which foods have a low GI click here and take a look at the Glycemic Index Chart