Does a low GI diet decrease your risk of some chronic diseases?
Studies have connected high GI diets to a greater prevalence of fatty liver, metabolic risk factors, such as LDL-C (the bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance and type II Diabetes.
However, a low GI diet may aid the prevention and treatment of several risk factors and chronic diseases. A low GI diet may aid the treatment and prevention of obesity. This, in turn, will aid the prevention of other chronic diseases. A low GI diet may decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly by its ability to improve your lipid profile. By decreasing your insulin responses, a low GI diet may enhance your body’s insulin sensitivity.
A 12 week study of overweight young adults found that a low GI diet produced greater insulin sensitivity than a high GI diet (with equivalent amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates and fibre). This could be very beneficial as part of a program for preventing or managing type II Diabetes. Overall, following a low GI diet may aid weight reduction in the obese, blood sugar control in diabetics and overall chronic disease risk.
Given that no safety concerns have as yet been raised around low GI diets, low GI diets may be a very sustainable and health giving diet to follow.
These diet and lifestyle tips are intended for healthy people to help maintain health and wellbeing. If you have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, please consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet or exercise regime.
