Glycemic Index Calculator

A Glycemic Index Calculator is a tool used to determine the glycemic index of foods. Start typing the product name and select the one you are interested in from the drop down list. As a result, you will get full information about the product - its glycemic index, carbohydrate content and glycemic load. It can be useful for individuals with diabetes or those following a low-GI diet for weight management or other health reasons.

What is the glycemic index?

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar levels after consumption. It is a scale that ranks foods based on their effect on blood sugar levels, with pure glucose (a simple sugar) assigned a value of 100.

Here's how the glycemic index works:

1. Carbohydrate-containing foods are consumed, and their impact on blood sugar levels is measured over a period of time, usually two hours.
2. The blood sugar response to the test food is compared to the blood sugar response to a reference food, typically pure glucose or white bread.
3. The GI value of the food is calculated by dividing the area under the blood sugar response curve for the test food by the area under the curve for the reference food and multiplying by 100.

Glycemic index scale

Here's a breakdown of the glycemic index scale:

Low GI: 55 or less

• These foods are digested and absorbed slowly, causing a gradual and stable rise in blood sugar levels.
• Examples: Most fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Medium GI: 56 to 69

• These foods are digested and absorbed at a moderate rate, causing a moderate rise in blood sugar levels.
• Examples: Whole wheat products, basmati rice, and some types of pasta.

High GI: 70 or higher

• These foods are digested and absorbed quickly, causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
• Examples: White bread, potatoes, sugary drinks, and most processed snack foods.

It's important to note that the glycemic index value of a food can be influenced by various factors, such as its ripeness, cooking method, processing, and the presence of other nutrients like fiber, fat, and protein. Additionally, the glycemic load, which takes into account the GI value and the amount of carbohydrates in a serving, is often considered a more practical measure for estimating the impact of a food on blood sugar levels.

The glycemic index scale is particularly useful for individuals with diabetes or those following a low-GI diet for weight management or overall health purposes, as it helps them make informed choices about the types and quantities of carbohydrates they consume.