Glycemic Index

The Glycemic Index replaces the original way that carbohydrates were initially classified as “simple” or “complex” based on their effects on blood glucose (sugar) levels in the body, and breaks down foods into three categories based on how they affect glucose levels

The digestive system breaks down carbohydrates in foods and drinks into simple sugars, primarily glucose. The pancreas secretes insulin, which helps move glucose from the blood to the cells. Once inside a cell, glucose is ‘burned’ along with oxygen to produce energy. The body converts excess glucose from food into glycogen, which is stored in muscle tissue and the liver, supplementing blood glucose levels as they drop between meals or during exercise.