Health Benefits of a Low GI Diet:Can lower blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease:According to a study by University of Sydney researchers, a diet containing low GI carbohydrate has beneficial effects on HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and significantly reduces your risk of heart disease. They found that low glycemic index foods such as whole grain products, tend to be beneficial for the heart, maximising cardiovascular risk reduction - particularly if protein intake is high. Can improve resistance to insulin and diabetes control:Low glycemic index foods aren't converted to sugar as quickly as high glycemic index foods, so they may keep your blood sugar from spiking, which means your body can keep up with insulin demands. Keeping blood sugar levels under control is especially important for people with diabetes to avoid the serious complications of diabetes.Can help with weight loss and control:Low glycemic index foods are a lot more likely to fill you up earlier and as they're digested slower, they stay in your stomach longer and make you feel full longer. Therefore you end up eating less and consuming fewer calories. Because it is energy balance that keeps your weight in control, taking in less calories may stop you from putting on extra kilos.
Low GI carbs can prolong physical endurance and high GI carbs can help re-fuel carbohydrate stores after exercise:Studies show that foods with a low Glycemic Index (55 and below) break down more slowly and steadily, resulting in a more sustained supply of energy. A high GI food causes a more rapid rise in blood glucose levels and is suitable for energy recovery after endurance exercise. High GI carbs help re-fuel carbohydrate stores after exercise.Can help manage the symptoms of PCOS:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects approximately 5% of all women. It occurs amongst all races and nationalities, is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and is a leading cause of infertility. While the causes are unknown, insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity are all strongly correlated with PCOS. Many experts recommend a low GI diet in which a significant part of total carbohydrates are obtained from fruit, vegetables and whole grain sources.PCOS Diet Return from Benefits of Low GI to Glycemic Index home page
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