Why A Low GI Diet Is Good For Mums-to-Be

Low GI keeps hunger at bay
Originally designed for diabetics, the glycaemic index (GI) was created to help monitor blood sugar levels. However, it’s a useful tool for anyone who is looking to eat healthily – bearing in mind, of course, that not all low GI foods are healthy1 and the GI alone isn’t a reliable way to determine whether foods or a combination of foods are healthy. 

This is how it works: glucose is the main source of energy for every cell in the body. The GI ranks carbohydrate foods based on the rate at which they are converted into glucose. 

When blood glucose levels begin to rise, the pancreas reacts by releasing a hormone called insulin, promoting the absorption of glucose by the cells, thus decreasing blood sugar levels into a more manageable range. 

Excess glucose in the blood stream can cause sugar to be stored as glycogen in muscle tissue. When the body needs energy, it will rely on the stored glycogen as opposed to fat reserves, which could lead to weight gain. 

Low GI foods are absorbed more slowly and they lead to a gradual increase in blood glucose, which may help to control your appetite and weight gain. Generally, eating foods that score low on the GI2 can keep blood sugar levels steady and help you feel fuller for longer, giving you sustained energy – especially when you’re pregnant. 

A healthy low GI diet is generally rich in complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and vegetables, high in lean protein and healthy fats, and low in processed, sugary snacks.

Additional nutrition for your child
Although a nutritious diet will provide you with most of the vitamins and minerals you need, it’s also a good idea to take some additional forms of nutrition and supplements to ensure that your child has the necessary nutrition he or she needs.

Containing vitamin B12, folic acid, iodine, vitamin D, DHA, calcium, choline, prebiotic and probiotic, magnesium and vitamin B complex, Frisomum Gold can support your body’s changing nutritional needs and provide a strong foundation for your child. With a low GI score, each serving of Frisomum Gold can help to control blood glucose levels, making it an ideal snack for pregnant women.

From your mum to your friends, you’ll hear countless dos and don’ts during your pregnancy, making it difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. Stick to these simple rules and, most of all, enjoy this magical time in your life.
 

References

1 http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/loseweight/Pages/the-truth-about-carbs.aspx
2 https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/spotlight-low-gi

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