Regardless of GI though, it is still important to consider the amount eaten. The carbohydrate in low GI foods is digested slowly, making you feel fuller for longer.
For those wanting to lose weight, low GI foods as part of a balanced diet may be helpful. For example, eating rice bubbles (high GI) and milk (low GI) for breakfast would be considered moderate GI.Įating mainly low GI foods every day is encouraged as it provides a slow, continuous supply of energy from one meal to another. If you eat low GI foods in a meal, this will reduce the overall GI of the dish. The amount of protein and fat being eaten, and the types of starch and fibre will affect the overall GI of the meal. When foods are eaten as part of a meal, the GI is affected by other components of the meal. While some low GI foods, such as chocolate and corn chips, are far less beneficial as they contain large amounts of saturated fat and sugar. Some high GI foods, such as hot potatoes and fresh watermelon, contain many valuable nutrients.
GI is an important tool when choosing a balanced diet for long-term health, although, on its own, GI does not make a food ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
