THREE REASONS TO EAT LOW GI FOODS

This post has been contributed by Sheila Zhou

Australian’s are more informed than ever when it comes to making educated choices about what they’re eating. However between the endless dietary classification symbols, it is easy to get confused about what exactly they mean. Symbols such as ‘refined sugar free’ or ‘no added sugar’ are quite self explanatory, but one classification that stumps many people is ‘Low GI’.

​By definition, the glycemic index (GI) is a ranking given to food to describe how quickly the carbohydrate in the food is broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream. Low GI foods are broken down and absorbed more slowly into the blood stream, and they result in a steady rise in blood sugar and insulin levels.

According to Sheila Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA, leading producer of high quality supplements, “Many people don’t understand the significance of incorporating low GI foods into their diet, but it’s an easy way to maintain good health and improve your blood glucose levels. As low GI foods are digested slower, there are also numerous other significant health benefits that could significantly improve your quality of life.”

​To help you understand why you should be consuming low GI foods, Ms. Zhou shares her expert advice:

1.      Keeps hunger at bay

As low GI foods take longer to digest, they provide a continuous supply of energy from meal to meal, without the sharp rise and fall of blood glucose. It helps control hunger so that you won’t feel like eating all the time. To fully maximise the benefits of not over eating, space your meals evenly apart (ideally every three hours) throughout the day. If you’re trying to avoid high GI foods, USANA’s Nutrimeal™ is a great way to get the nutrients you need through liquid form, and is low GI as well!

2.      Helps keep blood sugar levels stable. 

​If you’re looking for ways to keep your blood sugar levels stable, low GI foods are a great option as they provide a slower, more sustained release of sugar into the bloodstream. A perfect low GI snack that is both nutritious and delicious is USANA’s Peanutty Bliss and Fudge Delight bars, made specifically to curb your sweet tooth and provide you with extra protein.

​3.      Assists with heart health. 

​Foods that are low GI often also include ingredients that assist with helping your heart function at optimum levels, such as omega 3 and unsaturated fats. By adding foods, such as berries and nuts, into your diet you are consuming antioxidants while maintaining a healthy balance of good fats in your body, therefore helping your heart. To achieve this on the run, try USANA’s Berry Nutty™ Nutrition Bar, a whole-foods snack using nuts and all natural ingredients.

Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Use only as directed. Always read the label.
To view the full range of USANA Health Sciences nutritional, weight management and personal care products visit www.usana.com.

​USANA Health Sciences was founded in 1992 in the United States by microbiologist and immunologist, Dr Myron Wentz.  The products are backed by an accredited team of scientific experts and USANA has been awarded a 5-star rating for its nutritional products – the highest of any available in Australia in the Comparative Guide to Nutritional Supplements (4th Ed) by Lyle McWilliam, an independent Canadian biochemist.
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