Summary
Scientists have found that including one extra low glycemic index food per meal helps lower blood sugar, thereby slightly lowering the chances of diabetes. The British Dietetic Association warned of over reliance on the diet, since ice cream is also low on the glycemic index. A spokeswoman for the charity, Diabetes UK says that the low GI diet is the only one they endorse. Health professionals were encouraged by the study, but stressed that consumption of a low GI food should be made part of a balanced diet.
Original source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4562987.stm
Details
Doctors are praising a new diet craze for its benefits for helping the heart and controlling diabetes.
Low glycaemic index diets involve replacing high GI foods potatoes and white bread with low GI options such as apples, pasta and beans.
A Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust team found eating just one extra low GI item per meal cut blood sugar levels, the British Journal of Nutrition said.
The low GI diet has been dubbed the "Atkins alternative" and has been recommended by a host of celebrities.
The Hammersmith team measured the blood sugar levels of nine people on normal diets, and then put them on a low GI diet involving replacing one low GI item per meal for two weeks.
When the readings were taken again eight out of nine subjects had lower blood sugar readings.
Dr Gary Frost, head of nutrition and dietetics at the trust, said: "The scientific benefits of low GI diets are becoming increasingly clear, and this new research is a further indicator of the potential that including these foods in a balanced diet has.
"What is interesting is that replacing just one item per meal has this beneficial effect on blood sugar levels, putting people at lower risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition which can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes."
"It is a good way of controlling blood sugar levels, but it should form part of a balanced diet."
And diabetes dietician Paul McArdle, of the Eastern Birmingham Primary Care Trust, said: "The GI index is a useful concept.
"For busy people it points to an easier way to reduce the risk of disease by recognising the value of avoiding high levels of sugar in the bloodstream.
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Thursday, May 26, 2005
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