Glycemic Index News and Research

RSS

The glycemic index, glycaemic index, or GI is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion, releasing glucose rapidly into the bloodstream, have a high GI; carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI.

Same foods, different timing, very different glucose patterns

In a randomized crossover study of 22 healthy, normal-weight Chinese men, consuming canola oil alone or with spinach before a high-glycemic mashed-potato meal produced flatter post-meal glucose and insulin responses than spinach alone or no preload. The effects were associated with increased GLP-1 signaling and slower gastric emptying, with the findings indicating that the unsaturated oil was the primary driver of the metabolic response.

3 Sep 2026

New research highlights carbohydrate role in early human brain development

Fruit, honey and other naturally sweet foods may have helped fuel the evolution of the human brain, according to new research from the University of Sydney and the University of Glasgow.

7 Aug 2026

Plant-based quinoa burgers reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes

A study reveals that plant-based burgers with baru pulp and red quinoa trigger lower blood sugar spikes than glucose, highlighting their potential in nutrition.

10 Jun 2026

Smoothies vs juice: study reveals which fruit form is healthiest

Fruit smoothies are associated with improved health indicators, outperforming juices and solid fruits, emphasizing the need for dietary guidelines adjustments.

17 Apr 2026

Firmer potatoes lower post-meal blood sugar spikes

Minimally cooked potatoes may reduce blood sugar spikes, but benefits are short-lived and specific to certain populations, as shown in recent research.

23 Mar 2026

Breastfeeding is linked to lower depression and anxiety years later

A decade-long study links breastfeeding to lower anxiety and depression in mothers, suggesting long-term mental health benefits beyond the postnatal period.

13 Jan 2026

Study links higher glycemic index diets with increased lung cancer risk

In this study, researchers examined whether people who follow higher-GI or higher-GL diets have different risks of developing lung cancer.

24 Nov 2025

Scientists explore why black rice deserves a bigger place in modern diets

Researchers reviewed the nutritional composition, therapeutic benefits, and industrial uses of black rice, highlighting its potential as a functional food. The study highlights the role of black rice in managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation, while also advocating for more robust human trials and sustainable cultivation methods.

2 Nov 2025

Smarter insulin pump systems help stabilize glucose in young patients, study reveals

A Polish study comparing insulin pump technologies in children with type 1 diabetes found that advanced hybrid closed-loop systems achieved superior glycemic stability compared to predictive low glucose suspend systems. Despite technological advances, poor diet and low physical activity still undermine optimal metabolic control.

22 Oct 2025

Fruit-vegetable powder makes collagen jelly healthier without losing flavor

A study reveals the ideal fruit-vegetable powder blend for low-sugar collagen jelly, boosting antioxidant levels while maintaining desirable taste and texture.

6 Oct 2025

Diabetes risk hinges on how you cook potatoes

Research indicates that potato consumption and its preparation methods impact type 2 diabetes risk, with substitutions offering potential health benefits.

11 Aug 2025

Intermittent fasting shows similar weight loss benefits to traditional diets

Intermittent fasting diets appear to have similar benefits to traditional calorie-restricted diets for weight loss, suggests an analysis of trial evidence published by The BMJ today.

19 Jun 2025

Midlife carbohydrate quality linked to healthier aging in women

Intakes of dietary fiber, high-quality and total carbohydrates in midlife were favorably linked to healthy aging and other positive health outcomes in older women, according to a new study by researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

16 May 2025

New Canadian guidelines offer comprehensive approach to managing pediatric obesity

Researchers provide evidence-based recommendations to manage pediatric obesity.

17 Apr 2025

Smoothies with seeds may improve glycemic control, study shows

Blending whole fruits into smoothies may reduce glycemic spikes compared to eating fruit whole or drinking juice, especially when seeds are included. Researchers urge a re-evaluation of public health guidelines that currently limit smoothie intake.

3 Apr 2025

A pecan a day keeps bad cholesterol away

Daily consumption of 57g of pecans for 12 weeks improved cholesterol profiles and diet quality in adults at risk of cardiometabolic disease, without affecting vascular health. Replacing typical snacks with pecans led to higher intake of healthy fats and fiber, and reduced carbohydrate consumption.

24 Mar 2025

Struggling with weight? Eat more legumes, cut red meat, and skip soda

Diets rich in whole grains, nuts, legumes, and fruits help reduce obesity risk, while red meat and sugary drinks increase it. Researchers reviewed global evidence to identify which foods support or hinder weight management.

13 Mar 2025

Carbs aren’t the hunger culprit: New research overturns belief that glycemic index drives overeating

A Cell Metabolism study finds that while high-GI meals spike insulin and glucose, they don’t increase hunger or consistently drive overeating, challenging the carbohydrate-insulin model’s central claims about obesity.

5 Mar 2025

How accurate are continuous glucose monitors? A study puts them to the test

Continuous glucose monitors consistently overestimate fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels compared to capillary blood glucose measurements.

4 Mar 2025

Most plant-based restaurant meals are unhealthy, study finds

Many vegan and vegetarian restaurant meals contain unhealthy ingredients like refined grains, saturated fats, and fried foods, with OMNI restaurants offering fewer healthful options than VEG eateries. Researchers urge increased nutritional transparency to help consumers make informed choices.

23 Feb 2025