What is the glycemic index? Why choose foods with a low glycemic index? What are the benefits of a balanced diet?
The glycemic index (GI) indicates a food's ability to raise blood sugar levels: the higher the GI (e.g. white bread), the faster the food raises blood sugar levels. Diabetics are advised to prefer low-GI foods (such as wholemeal bread). A low GI may also play a preventive role against certain diseases (cardiovascular disease), although this is debatable. Carbohydrate-rich foods with a low GI are also often those containing more fiber and less processing. In this respect, they are partly in line with recommendations for rebalancing the diet.
To see the infographic in more detail, click here.
For further information, we recommend that you consult :
- The MangerBouger.fr website
- The Santé Publique France website, and its nutrition and physical activity section
- The ANSES website (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail), and its section on food and human nutrition.
- The French Nutrition Society website
- The report of the PNNS, Programme Nationale de Nutrition et Santé (2018-2023), which defines all nutritional recommendations.