Consuming low glycemic foods for diabetes is one of the most useful methods of controlling the blood sugar level. Read the article to know what exactly is glycemic index and a list of low glycemic foods for diabetes...
Diabetes is one of the most common health ailments that requires certain lifestyle changes. Consuming foods low in glycemic index is part of the treatment required for diabetes. Now, what is glycemic index and diabetes? How does consumption of low glycemic foods help in controlling diabetes? Let us discuss more low glycemic foods for diabetes, to know the answers to these questions.
Glycemic Index and Diabetes
Whenever we consume food, the first thing our body does is, breaking down the food into calories and utilizing these calories to perform the daily activities. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are basic components of any food. Out of these three, carbohydrates are the ones that are easily digested and are converted into glucose. Further, this glucose flows through the bloodstream. Proteins and fats are not broken down in the same process and they do not affect the blood sugar level as the carbohydrate foods do. Now, glycemic index chart is nothing but a measure that indicates how quickly a carbohydrate food can raise the blood sugar (blood glucose) level. Foods with high glycemic index can increase the blood sugar level above optimum level, while those which have low glycemic index increase the blood sugar level moderately. Now, insulin is an important hormone secreted by pancreas, production of which is triggered by the glucose that flows in our blood. If the glucose level is high, it results into too much production of insulin. Diabetes is basically a health condition where the insulin levels are high, i.e. the person's blood sugar level is high than the optimum value. Thus to control the increased insulin level, patient has to follow low glycemic index diet for diabetes.
Low Glycemic Foods for Diabetic
Foods low in glycemic index are broken down slowly in the body and hence they elevate the blood sugar level in a very moderate manner. This concept was basically established to find out which foods are best for diabetic patients. The scale of the glycemic index ranges from 0 to 100. The foods that fall in the range 0 to 55 come under low GI foods, those which range between 56-69 are medium GI foods, while those above 70 are considered are high GI foods. Consuming such low GI foods for diabetics have many benefits. Few of advantages can be listed as, prevent swings in blood sugar level, increase the body's sensitivity to insulin, reduce hunger and keep you fuller for longer, reduce risks of developing heart problems, etc. All fruits and vegetables, except potatoes and watermelon, are low in glycemic index, while rice, corn flakes, etc are high in glycemic index. Given below is a list of low glycemic foods for diabetics. Read on diabetic diet.
Low Glycemic Index Foods for Diabetics
Low Glycemic Food
GI
Artichoke
15
Avocado
15
Broccoli
15
Celery
15
Cherries
22
Grapefruit
25
Peas
22
Pearl barley
25
Whole milk
27
Dried apricots
31
Butter beans
31
Low-fat fruit yogurt
33
Apples
38
Pears
38
Tomato soup, canned
38
All Bran
42
Peaches
42
Oranges
44
Green grapes
46
Kiwi fruit
52
Read more on:
Low Glycemic Food List
Low Glycemic Diet Plan
Glycemic Index Food List
This was a summary on low glycemic index foods for diabetes and above listed are few low GI foods. If proper lifestyle changes are not made, then diabetes can turn fatal. Low glycemic index foods have very less effect on blood sugar levels and hence help to control diabetes.
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