The Glycemic Index: How It Affects Your Diet

Margaret Durst explains how the glycemic index to choose which foods to eat.
Glycemic Index or GI is a measure of the effect of the carbohydrates in foods on blood-glucose levels. Carbohydrates that break down quickly in the process of digestion have high GI values, while carbohydrates that break down slowly have low GI values.

The concept of glycemic index is so important as it is helpful to the many people that struggle with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, also known as pre-diabetes. Not knowing how to eat for balanced blood sugar is an underlying cause in most diseases that plague Americans. Anyone can benefit by eating a low glycemic diet – especially those with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, excess weight and many other conditions.

The glycemic index rates specific foods using the effect of pure glucose on blood sugar as the reference point – with pure glucose being 100 percent. High GI foods have a GI of 70 or greater. Intermediate GI foods have GI’s of 56 to 69 and low GI foods have a GI of less than 55. Read more

Is There an Anti-Acne Diet After All?

Previous generations were always told that eating certain foods, such as fried foods and chocolate would clog their pores and make their acne worse. Recently, doctors have been saying that diet doesn't affect acne; it's all hormones, bacteria, and genetics. However, an Australian study suggests that the previous advice about avoiding certain foods was sort of right, but now we know exactly what foods and why we should avoid them.

A research team, led by Associate Professor Neil Mann from RMIT University’s School of Applied Sciences, has discovered a solid link between acne and diet.

"We think we've come across a way to alter your diet in a very healthy way that will alleviate the symptoms of acne and at the same time will make you a lot healthier," Associate Professor Mann said.

The study recruited 50 boys and divided them into two groups. One group consumed a typical teen diet of sugary snacks and processed foods, while the other group followed a more natural diet higher in protein and with low-glycemic index foods such as whole grain bread, pasta, and legumes. The study showed impressive results in just 12 weeks.

"The acne of the boys on the higher protein-low GI diet improved dramatically, by more than 50 per cent, which is more than what you see with topical acne solutions," said Associate Professor Mann.

“A diet high in processed foods pushes glucose and insulin levels higher, exacerbating the problem, but low-GI foods do the opposite. The mechanism and the results are as clear as day."

The study seems pretty definitive, but exactly what is the glycemic index? The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking system for carbohydrates based on their effect on blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates that break down rapidly during digestion have the highest glycemic indices. Carbohydrates that break down slowly, releasing glucose gradually into the blood stream, have a low glycemic index.

Potatoes, rice, white bread, cakes, cookies, soft drinks, and sugary snacks are examples of high-GI foods that elevate blood glucose levels and insulin levels dramatically. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are examples of low-GI foods. When you hear people talking about bad carbs and good carbs, they're talking about high-GI and low-GI foods.

Before you throw up your hands at the changing scientific advice about acne treatment, remember that a low-GI diet is good for your general health, not just for acne treatment. A low-GI diet can help prevent or treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which are widespread medical problems today. It's the diet that you should be following anyway. Improving your acne is just a bonus!

To find out about a clinically proven, step-by-step system for permanently curing your acne and achieving lasting clear skin faster than you ever thought possible, click here!