What is Glycaemc Index?
Glycaemic index or `GI` as it is commonly known measures the speed that a specific food releases it’s energy. GI has been around for many years but only more recently has it had such good coverage.
The Glycaemic Index works on a scale of 0-100 with a high score indicating a faster release of energy. Pure glucose or something like table sugar would get a score of 100. Foods are often rated high, medium or low GI depending on their rating and it’s the low GI foods that help us lose weight.
Why GI works
Slow releasing foods are more likely to be utilized as energy, keeping energy levels steady and reducing hunger levels. Conversely high GI foods release quickly, sending energy levels into a rollercoaster effect and if we don’t use these calories then they are stored as body fat.
Slowing the release of foods
There are numerous resourse that give you the GI of particular foods and these are a good guide. Adding protein to meals is one of the best ways to slow the release of the meal. Food that are high in fibre like fruit and vegetables also tend to be low GI.