Pages

mardi 4 juin 2013

The Health Benefits Of Low Glycemic Snacks

By Michelle Howe


Snacking is important for keeping blood sugar levels constant. When blood sugar is too low we are tempted to snack on bad foods like chips or candy. Having tasty low glycemic snacks at hand helps to prevent this. Hunger is satisfied with foods which are much better for your health.

Understanding something about the glycemic index of foods is necessary if you are attempting to establish a more healthy way of eating. This is a scale of numbers relating to how quickly foods raise the level of glucose in the blood. You may be quite surprised when consulting this index to find out where exactly foods fall on the scale. Knowing more about how they work in the body can help you to learn how to control your blood sugar levels.

Those foods that break down slowly and release glucose at a low rate into the system fall low on the scale. These foods are usually those high in fiber, protein or both. Oat bran, wholewheat bread, brown rice, as well as many vegetables and fruit are all high in fiber whilst seeds, nuts, lean meats and fish are high in protein. Foods, on the other hand, that release glucose quickly into the system are high GI. Many white foods fall into this category like sugar, flour, bread and many white rices.

Insulin is necessary to get glucose into cells where energy is made. However, if too much insulin is produced consistently this can cause many serious health problems. This is thought result from an unhealthy cycle of blood sugar being too high and then too low.

These highs and lows are very bad for the body. Eating low GI snacks can prevent this from happening as they help to stabilize blood sugar levels. If high GI foods are eaten consistently, there is a higher risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

The foods that are low on the index are digested at a slower rate. Nutrients are gradually released into the system, allowing sugar levels to remain steady. Insulin levels do not reach risky levels and then plunge to severe lows. This is why a low GI snack is often eating before competing by sportsmen or women.

Our lifestyles are so busy that we usually go for the easiest and quickest option. Stocking up on some healthy snacks can prevent you from making the wrong choices. A healthy snack with a moderate or minimal effect on blood sugar is important for your children too. Providing them with this type of food in a lunchbox will help to them to have sustained energy and concentration throughout the day, enabling them to perform to the best of their abilities.

Choosing to eat low glycemic snacks does not mean that you have to deprive yourself. There are many delicious options available and it is just a matter of planning and choosing more wisely. You will feel the benefit of increased energy and better weight control. You will also have less chance to develop many serious diseases.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire