The Glycemic Index which
was discovered in 1981 and is the basis for many recently popular diets, including the South Beach Diet as
well as others. The Glycemic Index determines how long certain carbohydrates take to break down and digest in
the system. Those with a high rating, take the longest time to break down and do the most damage to the
system of someone with diabetes. The good glycemic foods; that is, those with the lower rates, are more
desirable not only for diabetics, but for those who are watching their carbohydrate intake through such diets
as the South Beach Diet, they should also be aware of what the good glycemic foods
are.
Good glycemic foods tend to get absorbed slowly into the system,
allowing the body to break down the refined sugars and starches so that the body can digest them properly.
People with Type I and Type II diabetes have a difficult time digesting carbohydrates, particularly those
that are high on the glycemic index, and it is this lack of proper digestion that makes it difficult for the
diabetic to expel glucose from their blood. While most diabetics are wise to avoid most, if not all
carbohydrates, as these are what are the most difficult to digest and break down, certain carbohydrates are
better than others for diabetics to consume.
Good glycemic foods tend to have a low score on the Glycemic
Index. Good glycemic foods are still carbohydrates, but are easier for the diabetic to digest and are much
healthier and therefore preferable than those carbohydrates which rate high on the Glycemic Index.
Substitutions are available for foods that rate high on the Glycemic Index and are widely available in
supermarkets and other food stores.
Some of the foods that rate low on the Glycemic Index include most
fruits and vegetables, Although fruits and vegetables contain sugar, the sugars contained in these good
glycemic foods digest into the system at a slower rate and also provide valuable nutrients to the diabetic,
and everyone else of course. The only vegetable that a diabetic should avoid is a potato, as it has a high
glycemic index. Other fruits and vegetables, however, are preferable than white rice, white bread, corn
flakes and anything made with white refined sugar or flour.
Other good glycemic foods include wholegrain breads and pastas. If
you or a loved one has Type I or Type II diabetes, you should switch to whole grain breads and pastas made
from wheat flour. This can be tremendously helpful to anyone who wants to manage their glycemia as well as
anyone who is following a low carb diet. Basmati rice is also considered one of the good glycemic
foods.
Often, it is not a matter of eliminating carbohydrates when one is
using diet to control their diabetes, but understanding which carbohydrates rate high on the glycemic index.
Diabetes is a disease that can be controlled by proper diet, monitoring one's blood sugar and following
doctors orders with regards to medication and diet.
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