The low-glycemic (low-GI) diet is based on the concept of the glycemic index (GI). Studies have shown that the low-GI diet may result in weight loss, reduce blood sugar levels and lower the risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. However, the way it ranks foods has been criticized for being unreliable and failing to reflect their overall healthiness. This article provides a detailed review of the low-GI diet, including what it is, how to follow it and its benefits and drawbacks.

What Is the Glycemic Index? Share on Pinterest Carbohydrates are found in breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables and dairy products, and they are an essential part of a healthy diet. When you eat any type of carbohydrate, your digestive system breaks it down into simple sugars that enter the bloodstream. Not all carbohydrates are the same, as different types have unique effects on blood sugar. The glycemic index (GI) is a measure that ranks foods according to their effect on your blood sugar levels. It was created in the early 1980s by Dr. David Jenkins, a Canadian professor ( 1 ). The rates at which different foods raise blood sugar levels are ranked in comparison with the absorption of 50 grams of pure glucose, which is used as a reference food and has a GI value of 100. The following are the three GI ratings: Low: 55 or less

55 or less Medium: 56–69

56–69 High: 70 or more Foods with a low-GI value are the preferred choice, as they are slowly digested and absorbed, causing a slower and smaller rise in blood sugar levels. On the other hand, foods with a high GI value should be limited since they are quickly digested and absorbed, resulting in a rapid rise and fall of blood sugar levels. It is important to note that foods are only assigned a GI value if they contain carbohydrates. Hence, foods containing no carbs, such as beef, chicken, fish, eggs, herbs and spices, won’t be found on GI lists. Summary: The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking system that classifies carb-containing foods by their effect on blood sugar levels. It was created in the early 1980s by Dr. David Jenkins.

Factors That Affect the GI of a Food A number of factors can influence the GI value of a food or meal, including: The type of sugar: It’s a misconception that all sugars have a high GI. The GI of sugar actually ranges from as low as 19 for fructose to up to 105 for maltose. Therefore, the GI of a food partly depends on the type of sugar it contains.

It’s a misconception that all sugars have a high GI. The GI of sugar actually ranges from as low as 19 for fructose to up to 105 for maltose. Therefore, the GI of a food partly depends on the type of sugar it contains. Structure of the starch: Starch is a carbohydrate made up of two molecules, amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is difficult to digest, whereas amylopectin is easily digested. Foods with a higher amylose content will have a lower GI ( 2 ).

Starch is a carbohydrate made up of two molecules, amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is difficult to digest, whereas amylopectin is easily digested. Foods with a higher amylose content will have a lower GI ( ). How refined the carbohydrate is: Processing methods such as grinding and rolling disrupt amylose and amylopectin molecules, raising the GI. Generally speaking, the more processed a food is, the higher its GI ( 2 ).

Processing methods such as grinding and rolling disrupt amylose and amylopectin molecules, raising the GI. Generally speaking, the more processed a food is, the higher its GI ( ). Nutrient composition: Both fat and acid slow down the rate at which a food is digested and absorbed, resulting in a lower GI. Adding fats or acids, such as avocado or lemon juice, will lower the GI of a meal ( 3 , 4 ).

Both fat and acid slow down the rate at which a food is digested and absorbed, resulting in a lower GI. Adding fats or acids, such as avocado or lemon juice, will lower the GI of a meal ( , ). Cooking method: Preparation and cooking techniques can change the GI too. Generally, the longer a food is cooked, the faster its sugars will be digested and absorbed, raising the GI.

Preparation and cooking techniques can change the GI too. Generally, the longer a food is cooked, the faster its sugars will be digested and absorbed, raising the GI. Ripeness: Unripe fruit contains complex carbohydrates that break down into sugars as the fruit ripens. The riper the fruit, the higher its GI. For example, an unripe banana has a GI of 30, whereas an overripe banana has a GI of 48 ( 5 ). Summary: The GI of a food or meal is influenced by a number of factors, including the type of sugar, structure of the starch, level of ripeness and cooking method.

The Amount of Carbs Is Also Important The rate at which foods raise blood sugar levels depends on three factors: the type of carb they contain, their nutrient composition and the amount you eat. However, the GI is a relative measure that doesn’t take into account the amount of food eaten. It’s often criticized for this reason ( 1 ). To solve this, the glycemic load (GL) rating was developed. The GL is a measure of how a carbohydrate affects blood sugar levels, taking both the type (GI) and quantity (grams per serving) into account. Like the GI, the GL has three classifications: Low: 10 or less

10 or less Medium: 11–19

11–19 High: 20 or more The GI is still the most important factor to consider when following the low-GI diet. However, the Glycemic Index Foundation, an Australian organization raising awareness about the low-GI diet, recommends that people also monitor their GL. It recommends that people aim to keep their total daily GL under 100. You can use this database to find the GI and GL of common foods. Otherwise, the easiest way to aim for a GL under 100 is to choose low-GI foods when possible and consume them in moderation. Summary: The glycemic load (GL) is a measure of the type and quantity of carbs you eat. When following the low-GI diet, it is recommended to keep your daily GL under 100.

Low-GI Diet and Diabetes Diabetes is a complex disease that affects millions of people worldwide ( 6 ). Those who have diabetes are unable to process sugars effectively, which can make it difficult to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. However, good blood sugar control helps prevent and delay the onset of complications, including heart disease, stroke and damage to the nerves and kidneys (7, 8 ). A number of studies suggest that low-GI diets are effective at reducing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes ( 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ). One study in nearly 3,000 people with diabetes looked at the effects of low- and high-GI diets on participants’ levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Levels of this molecule are an average measure of blood sugar levels over a three-month period ( 13 ). The study revealed that HbA1c levels were 6–11% lower in those consuming the lowest-GI diets (GI 58–79), compared to those consuming the highest-GI diets (GI 86–112). In other words, the lower-GI diets were associated with lower blood sugar levels over the long term. What’s more, a number of studies have reported that higher-GI diets may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 8–40% ( 14 , 15 , 16 ). A systematic review of 24 studies reported that for every five GI points, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increased by 8% ( 17 ). The low-GI diet may also improve pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. A low-GI diet has been shown to reduce the risk of macrosomia by 73%. This is a condition in which newborns have a birth weight over 8 pounds and 13 ounces, and it’s associated with numerous short- and long-term complications for the mother and baby ( 18 ). Summary: The low-GI diet appears to be effective at reducing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Diets higher in GI have also been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Other Benefits Studies have shown that the low-GI diet may also have other health benefits: Improved cholesterol levels: Low-GI diets have been shown to reduce total cholesterol by 9.6% and LDL cholesterol by 8.6%. LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke ( 19 , 20 , 21 , 22).

Low-GI diets have been shown to reduce total cholesterol by 9.6% and LDL cholesterol by 8.6%. LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke ( , , , 22). May help you lose weight: Low-GI diets have helped healthy adults lose 1.5–4.2 pounds (0.7–1.9 kg) over 5–10 weeks. The availability of research on the effects of weight loss over the long term is limited ( 19 , 23 , 24 ).

Low-GI diets have helped healthy adults lose 1.5–4.2 pounds (0.7–1.9 kg) over 5–10 weeks. The availability of research on the effects of weight loss over the long term is limited ( , , ). May reduce the risk of cancer: People who consume high-GI diets are more likely to develop certain types of cancer, including endometrial, colorectal and breast cancer, compared to people on low-GI diets ( 25 , 26 , 14 ).

People who consume high-GI diets are more likely to develop certain types of cancer, including endometrial, colorectal and breast cancer, compared to people on low-GI diets ( , , ). May reduce the risk of heart disease: A review of 37 studies found that people on high-GI diets were 25% more likely to develop heart disease than those on low-GI diets. Further evidence is required to confirm these associations ( 14 , 27 ). Summary: Low-GI diets have been associated with a reduction in weight and cholesterol. On the other hand, high-GI diets have been linked to heart disease and colorectal, breast and endometrial cancers.

Foods to Eat on a Low-GI Diet There’s no need to count calories or track your protein, fat or carbs on the low-GI diet. Instead, a low-GI diet involves swapping high-GI foods for low-GI alternatives. There are plenty of healthy and nutritious foods to choose from. You should base your diet on the following low-GI foods: Bread: Whole grain, multigrain, rye and sourdough varieties

Whole grain, multigrain, rye and sourdough varieties Breakfast cereals: Porridge made with rolled oats, bircher muesli and All-Bran

Porridge made with rolled oats, bircher muesli and All-Bran Fruit: Such as apples, strawberries, apricots, peaches, plums, pears and kiwi

Such as apples, strawberries, apricots, peaches, plums, pears and kiwi Vegetables: Such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, tomatoes and zucchini

Such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, tomatoes and zucchini Starchy vegetables: Carisma and Nicola potato varieties, sweet potatoes with an orange flesh, corn, yams

Carisma and Nicola potato varieties, sweet potatoes with an orange flesh, corn, yams Legumes: Examples include lentils, chickpeas, baked beans, butter beans, kidney beans

Examples include lentils, chickpeas, baked beans, butter beans, kidney beans Pasta and noodles: Pasta, soba noodles, vermicelli noodles, rice noodles

Pasta, soba noodles, vermicelli noodles, rice noodles Rice: Basmati, Doongara, long-grain and brown rice

Basmati, Doongara, long-grain and brown rice Grains: Quinoa, barley, pearl couscous, buckwheat, freekeh, semolina

Quinoa, barley, pearl couscous, buckwheat, freekeh, semolina Dairy: Milk, cheese, yogurt, custard, soy milk, almond milk The following foods contain few or no carbohydrates and therefore do not have a GI value. These foods can be included as part of a low-GI diet: Meat: Including beef, chicken, pork, lamb and eggs

Including beef, chicken, pork, lamb and eggs Fish and seafood: Examples include salmon, trout, tuna, sardines and prawns

Examples include salmon, trout, tuna, sardines and prawns Nuts: Such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts and macadamia nuts

Such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts and macadamia nuts Fats and oils: Including olive oil, rice bran oil, butter and margarine

Including olive oil, rice bran oil, butter and margarine Herbs and spices: Such as salt, pepper, garlic, basil and dill To search for foods not found on this list, use this GI search tool. Summary: The low-GI diet involves swapping high-GI foods for low-GI alternatives. For a balanced diet, consume low-GI options from each of the food groups.

Foods to Avoid on a Low-GI Diet Nothing is strictly banned on the low-GI diet. However, try to replace these high-GI foods with low-GI alternatives as much as possible. Bread: White bread, Turkish bread, bagels, naan bread, French baguettes, Lebanese bread

White bread, Turkish bread, bagels, naan bread, French baguettes, Lebanese bread Breakfast cereals: Instant oats, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, Cocoa Krispies, Froot Loops

Instant oats, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, Cocoa Krispies, Froot Loops Starchy vegetables: Désirée and Red Pontiac potatoes, instant mashed potatoes

Désirée and Red Pontiac potatoes, instant mashed potatoes Pasta and noodles: Corn pasta and instant noodles

Corn pasta and instant noodles Rice: Jasmine, Arborio (used in risotto), Calrose and medium-grain white rice

Jasmine, Arborio (used in risotto), Calrose and medium-grain white rice Dairy replacements: Rice milk and oat milk

Rice milk and oat milk Fruit: Watermelon

Watermelon Savory snacks: Rice crackers, corn thins, rice cakes, pretzels, corn chips

Rice crackers, corn thins, rice cakes, pretzels, corn chips Cakes and biscuits: Scones, doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies, waffles, pikelets

Scones, doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies, waffles, pikelets Extras: Jelly beans, licorice, Gatorade, Lucozade Summary: To follow a low-GI diet, limit your intake of the high-GI foods listed above and replace them with low-GI alternatives.

A Sample Low-GI Menu for 1 Week This sample menu shows what a week on a low-GI diet might look like. Feel free to adjust this based on your own needs and preferences. Monday Breakfast: Oatmeal made with rolled oats, milk and chopped fresh fruit

Oatmeal made with rolled oats, milk and chopped fresh fruit Lunch: Chicken sandwich on whole grain bread, served with a salad

Chicken sandwich on whole grain bread, served with a salad Dinner: Beef stir-fry with vegetables, served with long-grain rice Tuesday Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado, tomato and smoked salmon

Whole grain toast with avocado, tomato and smoked salmon Lunch: Minestrone soup with a slice of whole grain bread

Minestrone soup with a slice of whole grain bread Dinner: Grilled fish served with steamed broccoli and green beans Wednesday Breakfast: Omelet with mushrooms, spinach, tomato and cheese

Omelet with mushrooms, spinach, tomato and cheese Lunch: Try these salmon, ricotta and quinoa cups with a salad

Try these salmon, ricotta and quinoa cups with a salad Dinner: Homemade pizzas made with whole wheat Lebanese bread Thursday Breakfast: A smoothie with berries, milk, Greek yogurt and cinnamon

A smoothie with berries, milk, Greek yogurt and cinnamon Lunch: Chicken pasta salad made with whole wheat pasta

Chicken pasta salad made with whole wheat pasta Dinner: Homemade burgers with beef patties and vegetables on whole wheat rolls Friday Breakfast: Quinoa porridge with apple and cinnamon

Quinoa porridge with apple and cinnamon Lunch: Toasted tuna salad sandwich on whole wheat bread

Toasted tuna salad sandwich on whole wheat bread Dinner: Chicken and chickpea curry with basmati rice Saturday Breakfast: Eggs with smoked salmon and tomatoes on whole grain toast

Eggs with smoked salmon and tomatoes on whole grain toast Lunch: Egg and lettuce whole grain wrap

Egg and lettuce whole grain wrap Dinner: Grilled lamb chops with greens and mashed pumpkin Sunday Breakfast: Buckwheat pancakes with berries

Buckwheat pancakes with berries Lunch: Brown rice and tuna salad

Brown rice and tuna salad Dinner: Beef meatballs served with vegetables and brown rice Summary: The sample meal plan above shows what a week on the low-GI diet might look like. However, you can adjust the plan to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Healthy Low-GI Snacks If you find yourself hungry between meals, here are a few healthy low-GI snack ideas: A handful of unsalted nuts

A piece of fruit

Carrot sticks with hummus

A cup of berries or grapes

Greek yogurt

Apple slices with almond butter or peanut butter

A hard-boiled egg

Leftovers from the night before Summary: Eating snacks between meals is allowed on the low-GI diet. Some healthy snack ideas are listed above.

Drawbacks of the Low-GI Diet Although the low-GI diet has several benefits, it also has a number of drawbacks. Firstly, the glycemic index (GI) does not provide a complete nutritional picture. It’s important to also consider the fat, protein, sugar and fiber contents of a food, regardless of its GI. For example, the GI of French fries is 75, whereas a baked potato, the healthier substitute, has a higher GI of 85 ( 3 ). In fact, there are many unhealthy low-GI foods, such as ice cream (GI 36–62), chocolate (GI 49) and custard (GI 29–43). Another drawback is that the GI measures the effect of a single food on blood sugar levels. However, most foods are consumed as part of a larger mixed meal, making the GI difficult to predict in these circumstances ( 28 ). Lastly, as mentioned earlier, the GI does not take into account the number of carbs you eat. However, this is an important factor in determining their impact on your blood sugar levels. For example, watermelon has a high GI of 80 and therefore would not be considered the best option when following a low-GI diet. However, watermelon also has a low carbohydrate content, containing only 6 grams of carbs per 100 grams. In fact, a typical serving of watermelon has a low glycemic load (GL) of 5 and a minimal effect on blood sugar levels. This highlights that using GI in isolation may not always be the best predictor of blood sugar levels. It’s important to also consider the carb content and GL of a food. Summary: The low-GI diet has a number of drawbacks. The GI can be difficult to calculate, it does not always reflect the healthiness of a food and it doesn’t take into account the number of carbs consumed.