High Glycemic Index: Are High GI Foods Bad for Your Blood Sugar?
 The glycemic index is a helpful reference point for people who need to keep an eye on their blood sugar, and like many lists of foods, it is comprised of foods that are good for you and foods that should be avoided. Products to avoid have a high glycemic index level and have the potential to cause a lot of problems for some people.
Foods that have a high rating tend to be foods that are high in carbohydrates, especially simple carbs. These foods are digested very quickly by the body, which means that they raise blood sugar and insulin levels much faster than are healthier for some. People who often avoid these foods suffer from diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and severe obesity.
Common high GI foods include:
- Enriched breads and white grains
- Starchy foods like potatoes
- Sugary foods and products that have been artificially sweetened
- Some fruits
Avoiding high GI foods is generally a healthy option for everyone, since it makes it easy to avoid unnecessary carbohydrates and maintain a healthy weight. However, your doctor should determine whether or not it is in the interest of your general health to make it a point to avoid these high glycemic index products. Consult with your doctor, as well as an experienced nutritionist to learn more about which foods you should be including (or excluding) from your diet.
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