The Glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly glucose is released from foods.  Glucose, also known as blood sugar is the energy source for the human body.   All food is eventually broken down into glucose, fat and waste material.  Foods with a low GI allow the sugar to be released slowly.  There are several advantages to this slower release.  Following are 3 ways to use the glucemic index to my benefit.

By selecting a diet that offers a low GI, people are better able to manage or lose weight.  These foods do not trigger the body to compensate for a large dump of sugar into the blood.  This large sugar dump triggers the body to respond by increasing the insulin levels.  The increased amount of insulin causes the glucose levels to drop and the body senses hunger once again.  In fact, if the person does not eat after this drop, he or she may start to feel shaky and very hungry.

The second benefit of the diet better management of diabetes.  In persons without diabetes, the insulin produced by the body lowers the glucose levels.  In diabetics, insulin may not be produced or the body may be resistant to its effects.  High GI foods cause the blood glucose levels to rise.

High GI foods do have their place.  After exercise, the body may need to replenish its store of energy.  By consuming high GI foods at this time, the person can overcome post exercise tiredness.  Even so, such foods should be consumed with great care.

Whether trying to lose weight, control diabetes or recover after a session of exercise, it is possible for humans to take advantage of these 3 ways to use the glycemic index to my benefit.  Learning more about the GI can be a key to better health.