The Glycemic Index

The Glycemic Index (GI) is a rating system for food, showing you how quickly each type of food raises your blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI raise blood sugar levels quickly while low GI foods produce a more gradual rise. For example sweet potato gives a slow gradual rise, whereas common forms of potato produce a quick rise in blood sugar. The benefits of a lower GI diet include feeling more satisfied, a more stable mood, fewer cravings for sweet or starchy foods and better energy levels.

The downloadable chart provides some GI basics.