Total Body Wellness

Glycemic index (G) is a measure of the rate that the carbohydrates in a food or meal are digested and appear in the blood as glucose (sugar). Glycemic load is a way of measuring the total carbohydrates in a meal or diet with a mathematical adjustment for GI. These measurements can be used to simultaneously describe the quality (glycemic index) and quantity of carbohydrate in a meal or diet.

Recent data suggest that the sudden rise in blood sugar associated with a high glycemic load may increase free radical production and the risk of oxidative damage. This increased production has been implicated im many disease processes including chronic heart disease, accelerated aging, and type 2 diabetes.

Investigators from several leading US institutions recently investigated whether a diet with a high GI or GL is associated with greater oxidative stress by taking specific measurements in nearly 300 healthy adults.

Participants with a higher GI and GL diet were found to exhibit increases in oxidative stress when compared to those eating a diet lower in glycemic index and load.

Researchers concluded that chronic consuption of high-GI foods may lead to chronically high oxidative stress, increasing the risk for several degenerative diseases. A low-GI diet, not a low carbohydrate diet, appears to be beneficial in reducing oxidative stress.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 84 No. 1, 70-76, July 2006

My belief is that a low glycemic diet is not only good for those who are diabetic or on the verge of diabetes, but it is an easy way to control our weight. - Jeanette

Recommended Book - Releasing Fat by Dr Ray Strand - This book speaks on the glycemic index and how it can work for you. - availble for purchase at the studio.

Filed by Jeanette at 3:28 pm under Pilates
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