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What is the Glycemic Index?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated January 22, 2009

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Question: What is the Glycemic Index?
Answer:

The glycemic index is a measurement of how rapidly a carbohydrate enters your bloodstream and how high it raises your blood glucose level. Not all carbs are the same.

Examples of high glycemic index foods are candy and pasta made from white flour. A high glycemic index means that the carb is quickly digested and can send your blood sugar soaring.

A lower glycemic index means that the carb has a slower digestion rate. It enters the blood more gradually, which means that blood glucose rises at a slower rate and does not spike as high. Lower glycemic index foods include fruits and vegetables, and whole grain breads and pastas.

Search the database at the "Home of the Glycemic Index" to find out the glycemic index values for any food.

Source:

Sources:"Carbohydrates." Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition Source. 2006. Harvard School of Public Health. 29 Nov 2006

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