Glycemic Index for the Management of Chronic Disease: Why Certain Foods Like Raisin may be Beneficial

ABSTRACT

The glycemic index (GI) refers to impact of the ingestion of carbohydrate-containing foods on blood sugar concentrations. High-GI foods increase blood glucose levels more and for a longer time, than those with low GIs. It appears that those who adopt a low-GI diet have a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Carbohydrate- containing foods on a low-GI diet include an abundance of fruits and vegetables, lesser amounts of grains including whole grains, and dairy products; those rich in sugar are to be consumed sparingly. Despite tasting sweet, raisins have a low-to-moderate GI (50-64). Raisins can be substituted for other high-GI snack foods, as well as serve as preexercise snacks. Thus, those wishing to adopt a low-GI diet should consider raisins as a healthy fruit serving to be used as a snack or with a meal.