When it comes to our own food choices, what we eat directly impacts our bodies … either positively or negatively. Carbohydrates, however, land somewhere in the middle. Carbohydrates can be ranked according to their glycemic index (or GI) – or how they affect our own blood glucose levels. The higher the GI’s value - the higher your glucose level. High blood sugars, of course, can lead to heart disease and diabetes. Low GI values in carbohydrates will provide more benefits.
Now, there is yet one more concern related to eating high GI foods. A study, out of Tufts University in Boston, has found a direct correlation between such foods and vision loss in older adults. Almost 4100 individuals, including both men and women aged 55 – 80 years old, took part in this important research. The research participants were fed a high GI diet and then tested. Test results found such a diet dramatically increased blood sugar levels thus also increasing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (i.e. vision loss or AMD). Following the study, Dr. Allen Taylor wrote “AMD appears to share several carbohydrate-related mechanisms and risk factors with diabetes-related diseases including eye and cardiovascular disease. However, to date, only one small study has addressed this issue.”
Until more is known, you may wish to consider switching to a low GI diet. Here are a few suggestions as to how to do this:
-Choose breakfast cereals containing oats, barley and/or bran
- Shop for wholegrain, stone-ground flour and/or sourdough bread
- Maximize eating of fruits and vegetables
- Prepare pasta, noodles and/or quinoa
You may also refer to this list of some favorite foods and their GI values. Double-click on the website link below to access the chart:
http://www.diabetesdigest.com/dd_nutrition2.htm
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