Low Glycemic Foods That Can Help You Control Your Blood Sugar Levels

CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS


Glycemic index (GI) is the measurement of the effect of various foods on your blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates that you consume through food are broken down into simple sugars by your digestive system. Different types of carbohydrates have different effects on your blood sugar levels.


The three types of GI levels are:

  • Low - 55 or lower

  • Medium - 56 to 69

  • High - 70+


Foods that have a higher GI are digested and absorbed by the bloodstream quickly therefore resulting in a rapid change in blood sugar. Foods having a low GI index are digested and absorbed slowly causing your blood sugar levels to be normal for a longer period. The glycemic index of foods is influenced by the build of the starch, type of sugar it has, and the way it was cooked.


Effect of low glycemic foods on diabetes

Diabetes makes the body unable to process sugars in an effective way thus making it difficult to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. People having diabetes should keep their blood sugar in control to prevent health complications like heart ailments, and damage to the kidneys. Consuming low GI foods can help in managing the blood sugar levels.


Benefits of low glycemic diet

  • Improvement in the blood cholesterol levels

  • Reduces cancer risk

  • Enhances weight loss

  • Reduces the risk of heart diseases and stroke


Foods having low glycemic index

  • Fruit like apples, pear, strawberries, peaches, plums

  • Cereals like oats, bran-flakes

  • Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini

  • Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans

  • Grains like quinoa, barley, buckwheat, semolina

  • Dairy products - milk, cheese, yogurt


Add these low glycemic foods as snack in your diet if you have diabetes

  • Hard boiled egg

  • Unsalted nuts

  • A cup of berries with cheese

  • Greek yogurt 

  • Apple slices 

  • Whole wheat toast with almond/peanut butter


Just remember a healthy lifestyle goes a long way in keeping your body in good health, and increasing your lifespan. A healthy lifestyle includes:

  • Balanced and nutritious meals

  • Being physically active

  • Sleeping well at least for 7-8 hours

  • Keeping stress levels low

  • Regularly getting complete body preventive health checkup done


Know your current blood sugar level with a full body checkup now.


No comments:

Post a Comment

Popular Posts