How the Glycemic Index of Food Affects Weight Gain and Loss
How does the glycemic index of a product affect your weight and is it worth paying attention to this indicator if you are not diabetic?
Dr. Marina
What is the glycemic index?
It is a measure of the rate at which sugar from food is processed into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream. The glycemic index of pure glucose is 100, which is the maximum possible value.
To simplify, the longer the product is broken down to glucose, the lower its glycemic index (GI). Foods with a high glycemic index are good if you need to build up energy levels quickly (e.g. for athletes before a workout), and foods with a low GI index give a more even and gradual release of energy.
Why is this important?
The intake of glucose in the blood affects insulin production. A stable level of insulin "demand" is important to prevent diabetes and normal pancreatic function, and spikes in insulin are bad for organs and overall human health.
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