What is Glycemic Foods Index and How to Use it to Lower Blood Sugar

Different foods have different effects on glucose levels in your blood - this is where the glycemic foods index originates. The quicker the food is broken down, during the digestive process, the higher it rates on the glycemic food index. The slower the food is broken down, the lower it sits on the glycemic food index.

Foods that are lower on the glycemic food index are healthier for you, easier for your body to digest and more gentle on your system overall. Monitoring your sugar levels, over time, will tell you if you are eating foods high on the glycemic index, or low.

When you eat, if your blood sugar levels quickly raise - higher than desired - you may want to stay away from that particular food. Alternatively, eat this food before you plan on working out, or right after. A good work out will require a boost in blood sugar levels.

If, on the other hand, your blood sugar drops drastically after you ate this food, then it is likely on the lower end of the glycemic chart. Meaning, this food slowly releases sugar into your system. This type of food is good to eat throughout the day. These types of food slowly release sugar into your body, allowing your body to process the sugar over time.

There are many benefits to eating a diet low on the glycemic food index; some of which are listed below:

* Weight control and / or loss
* Sensitivity to insulin is increased
* Reduced hunger - less binge eating
* Increased physical stamina
* Helps manage diabetes Switching to a low glycemic index diet is not as complicated as one might think. There is no need to measure foods, count calories, etc. Below are a few tips for getting you on a lower glycemic index diet:
* Oats, barley, and bran
* Whole grains, sour dough
* Plenty of fruits and vegetables
* Pasta
* Potatoes are HIGH on the glycemic index - eat less of them

Let's take a look at this in a different light. Rather than intentionally raising your sugar levels, with foods that are high or low on the glycemic index, what do you think would happen if you kept your sugar levels fairly even? Keeping your sugar levels fairly even will keep your energy level pretty even as well. By forcing your body to constantly fight, or counteract, what you are putting into it - you're making it exert all its energy on the digestion of food.

On the other hand, if you stick with a steady diet, one that allows you to eat all the necessary foods you need along with a treat here and there, your body no longer has to fight what you are feeding it. Instead, your body can work naturally, digesting what is input and leaving the rest for energy for you.

Looking into the glycemic food index is beneficial to all, even those without diabetes. Having a consistent flow of sugar, without drastic rises and falls, helps your body to digest all nutrients quicker and more productively. Eating grains, vegetables, fruits, and starches is the best way to become - and stay healthy - and falls within the guidelines of lower glycemic index foods. Whether you have diabetes or not, this is a good place to start a healthy eating plan.

To know more about how to cope with your diabetes, feel free to visit my diabetes site http://www.stopprediabetes.com and find out more on Glycemic Foods Index and their effects on your blood glucose levels.

Edwin Seow is the author of this article which may be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article be intact.