The Glycemic Index is a scale that rates foods based on their
absorbtion of sugar into the bloodstream. It is an important tool
for diabetics, and also comes in important while using plans like
NutriSystem, which uses the Glycemic Index to select the foods
they include in their meals.
When carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down in the
stomach and the body releases the sugar from them into the bloodstream
for energy. When the sugar is released, the body absorbs the sugar.
When a simple carb is broken down, usually very quickly, loads
of sugar is released. When the bloodstream is flooded with sugar,
the body begins storing fat to counteract these events. A simple
carb (eg. sugar) is broken down very quickly and therefore has
a very high glycemic index. A complex carbohydrate, such as pasta
or grain bread, is broken down slowly. The sugar is released slowly
into the blood, and the body does not make any special reactions
since there is nothing causing it stress.
Home
RELATED LINKS
Glycemic Index Website
Nutrisystem
